MI Township Considers Fire, Police Merger

BUENA VISTA, MI—Buena Vista Charter Township has scheduled a town hall meeting regarding the proposed merger of its police and fire departments.

The town hall will take place Friday, Jan. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Buena Vista Community Center, located at 1940 S Outer Drive, west of I-75.

The township’s goal is to gauge public opinion, answer questions and provide information to residents regarding a potential merger of the township’s public safety departments. If implemented, the merger would lead to job cuts for some firefighters and police officers would be “cross-trained” to handle firefighting duties, said township Superintendent Torrie McAfee. This would not affect services, McAfee said.

The merger is being considered for its potential savings, which could be necessary for the township to avoid cuts to employees, McAfee said.

“What we’re looking to do is plan for the future properly,” McAfee said.

The Buena Vista Board of Trustees tabled action on a potential merger after discussion and public dissent during its Monday, Dec. 16 meeting, according to reporting by ABC12. The board will have final say in whether the merger will happen, McAfee said.

Police Chief Reggie Williams said it was too early to comment on the potential merger.

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