Merging the fire departments of Gilmer County and Ellijay is on the table.
Just right at the edge of the table. It was mentioned at a county budget meeting Dec. 18.
Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said he has mentioned the possibility to Ellijay Mayor Al Hoyle. Nothing formal has been done, and the issue has not been raised before either governing board.
It would only happen if there is an upside for both groups.
“This is where we want a win/win for everyone,” said Paris. “I believe it would provide better fire protection for the city and for the county.”
For Ellijay, the upside would be contributing less funding and maintaining the same level or better of service.
For the county, the department would gain another manned station close to downtown Ellijay and additional equipment to service the county.
“That [Ellijay fire station] would still be a manned station, just under the jurisdiction of the county,” he said.
Paris floated the subject during discussions about purchasing a ladder fire truck. If the Gilmer County Fire Department goes to bid on a new ladder truck, it may take two to three years for delivery.
Ellijay has a ladder truck, though chiefs at the Gilmer Fire Department say one with a longer ladder is still needed.
Paris said the Ellijay ladder truck would bridge the gap until a new one can be purchased.
Mayor Hoyle said this was a very preliminary discussion.
“Reduction in cost would be the biggest upside,” he said. “Hopefully, it would be better service at reduced cost.”
No numbers have been discussed between the two parties. Ellijay is still taking applications for a new fire chief, since Gilmer County hired former chief Sam West as its public safety director.
Hoyle said there is an automatic aid agreement in place, and the two entities have always worked well together.
“The county has always been good to work with us,” he said.
Any merger deal would have to reduce cost for the city, increase service and maintain the current insurance rating of three for Ellijay. If these points are met, Hoyle said he feels like the city council would be on board with a merger. He stressed this was his guess, and there has been no discussion.
Gilmer County’s proposed budget for fire protection and EMS is $6.5 million for 2025, while the city’s proposed budget for its fire department is $775,776.