By Tristan Navera
The Dayton Daily News
MIAMISBURG, Ohio — The Miami Valley Fire District has moved to acquire new equipment. It’s an action a local official says takes it one step closer to being operational.
The board of trustees of the new district requested April 28 that the Miami Twp. board of trustees purchase a new fire truck and a medic to lease to the new district, as well as a radio and equipment to furnish both vehicles.
Keith Johnson, city manager for Miamisburg, said the vehicles will help equip the new district with more modern vehicles.
“The fire district is being created between the city and township, but it’s still a district on paper,” Johnson said.
The move is part of an effort to streamline emergency services into a more efficient and centralized service, Johnson said.
“When you dial 911, it’s a district employee that picks up, not a city or county employee,” he said.
As part of the partnership, Miamisburg and Miami Twp. will alternate purchases for the equipment, with the township covering the cost of the ambulance and issuing bond debt for purchases. Johnson said he wasn’t sure of the total price but that it could top $100,000.
“All of our existing equipment we’ll lease to the district,” John-son said, noting the lease would be for $1.
Eventually, though, the district will need to acquire a new fire station as well, Johnson said.
The district was formed in 2011 after several years of exploration, according to the organization’s website, as a way to combine fire and emergency services for Miami Twp. and Miamisburg.
The district is expected to be fully integrated later this year, according to its website.
Copyright 2012 Dayton Newspapers, Inc.