Merging fire departments in Oldham County?

LaGrange, KY (WDRB) -- The Oldham County Fire Task Force made its presentation on merging fire departments in Fiscal Court Tuesday afternoon. County magistrates heard the proposal for the first time. The task forced reviewed various options to save the county money.

The proposal includes merging LaGrange and Ballardsville, Westport and North Oldham, and Pewee Valley and South Oldham Fire Departments.

The Task Force says Oldham County can't afford 24 hour on duty coverage within five miles unless it also merges fire departments with EMS. The Task Force says two services combined would be enough funding to have an immediate response crew who are cross trained in Fire and EMS 24 hours a day.

LaGrange Chief Jim Sitzler says, "People are scared of change." He says, "In Oldham County, the volunteer base is good, even though quite a few of the departments like LaGrange have a daytime part time crew."

The six fire chiefs have been working on the Oldham County Fire Task Force for the past year and a half. There is no time table on when a decision will be made on the possible merger.