DEAR EDITOR:

Has Canton City Council ever considered a discussion about merging the fire services with the county? Yes!

At the June 21 Canton City Council Meeting, an agenda item, “Discussion of Fire Services Options,” was discussed.

Councilman Glen Cummins added this item to the agenda and opened the discussion.

A motion was made by Cummins “that the city manager begin discussion and negotiations with Jerry Cooper of Cherokee County in regard to the consolidation of the city and county fire services culminating in an intergovernmental agreement to be brought before the council at its meeting on Aug. 2, 2012, for discussion and possible adoption.”

Following discussion, a roll call vote was taken. The results are as follows:

John Beresford- No

Bill Bryan- No

Hooky Huffman- No

Bob Rush- No

Jack Goodwin- No

Cummins- Yes

The motion failed.

Council will not even consider a proposal for consolidation, yet they say this Fire Bond Referendum is the best and most affordable option.

In fact, it is the only option they have considered — stick it to the taxpayers.

Jeff Brown

Canton