JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Jacksonville Beach Commissioners voted on a fire department merger that could cut down response time and save money.
City commissioners voted to merge the Jacksonville Beach Fire Department with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Monday evening.
The City of Jacksonville will have to approve the merger. They will also pay the pension costs to the city of Jacksonville Beach.
In the last 20 years, the city of Jacksonville has offered fire services in inter-local agreements in Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Baldwin. This latest agreement will likely add Jacksonville Beach to that list.
Jacksonville currently has around 1500 firefighters. Under the plan, Jacksonville Beaches’ nearly 30 would become a part of Jacksonville fire. The trucks, ladders, and stations would stay operational and would become the property and responsibility of the City of Jacksonville.
The City of Jacksonville would also be required to perform interior and exterior maintenance on the premises at its own expense.