Study Finds Berlin Fire Company ‘Not Sufficiently Funded’ To Provide Services
The coolest small town in America is looking to regroup after a study was released stating that the Berlin Fire Company was not sufficiently funded for the level of services it provides to its town and Worcester County.
"The issue is EMS our emergency medical services there they say that they need more funding for the services that they provide in town," said Berlin Mayor Gee Williams.
The Matrix Consulting Group completed a 90 page report, and says there's a lack of communication between both the fire company and the town of Berlin. And they add that the company receives the funding and spends it as the they deem appropriate.
"We need to have a financial relationship with the Berlin Fire Company. Change is not always easy but it doesn't mean it can't be done and I honestly believe that both the fire company officers and the town of Berlin want to get to this better place, and we're determined to do it and we will," said Williams.
The Berlin Fire Company released a statement saying they don't entirely agree with the reports findings, and want to provide clarifications on a number of items. Those include the financial billing processes and response locations, but they do acknowledge that the company isn't sufficiently funded when it comes to their EMS services.
"The question becomes how do we create a system in which if we are increasing funding that there's full accountability and transparency as to how the money is used to help further support EMS," said Williams.
The document also provides recommendations for the fire company and the town of Berlin, and Williams says he'll take each recommendation into careful consideration.
"I don't think we'll get all these recommendations which 17 of the 28 effect the town of Berlin by June when the new budget is passed, but I think by this time next year we should be able to accomplish almost every goal," said Williams.
The Berlin Fire Company says they look forward working with the Mayor and Council during the budget process to continue to provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the town of Berlin and Worcester County.
