Plan to merge Wauwatosa, West Allis fire departments takes step forward

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A plan to merge the fire departments of Wauwatosa and West Allis is taking another step forward.

It's been on the Common Council agenda in both towns for the last few months. 

Tuesday night, Wauwatosa's council approved a report outlining the structure of the new single department. It passed with a lot of support, with some highlighting vital financial benefits. But some on the council are concerned about things like a lack of oversight.

"They're going to be purchasing equipment without the approval of the Common Council or Financial Affairs Committee," said Alderman Joseph Makhlouf II. "There's going to be a lot of things going on, that which we should have some oversight - that we're not going to have oversight for."

"We will not be able to continue those to provide those vital services unless we find financial relief and this is the only way to do it," said Mayor Dennis McBride. 

A third-party study showed the plan could improve response times while saving both towns an estimated $7 million over the next five years. This is just a small step in a plan that still has a long way to go before crossing the finish line. 

It will be back on Wauwatosa's agenda next month.