Fire department merger discussions continue

Talks about the possible fire department merger for Pocatello and Chubbuck continued Tuesday in good spirits.

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England met with their fire union heads at Pocatello City Hall. According to Blad, merging options and costs were discussed.

Both cities have expressed the need for a new fire station and new fire engines. Chubbuck also doesn’t have its own ambulance, having to use Pocatello’s ambulances for calls.

Blad said public input is next on the agenda.

“This is a community fire consolidation, not just the city of Pocatello or city of Chubbuck,” said Blad. “We’re all part of that and we want everybody to be able to have a little bit of input.”

There have no dates set for town hall meetings yet. Blad said they will most likely be in September after both cities are finished with their budgets.