Facts of the merger

From Carl Solden, Waterford Township Supervisor:

Based on recent events, as well as misinformation being disseminated by people regarding contract fire (department) services between Waterford Township and the city of Pontiac, I am not only compelled but it is my responsibility to see that all stake-holding citizens, especially Waterford citizens, are informed (about) the true facts pertaining to this endeavor.

I allude to the Waterford citizens as they are and have been paying taxes, including millages, to support their fire/EMS services in their home community. I, as well as the Township Board (of Trustees), am very cognizant of that fact and your tax dollars will stay in Waterford. We are very fortunate to continue to have first-class and excellent fire/EMS services provided by the professional staff in the Waterford Fire Department.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, many representatives from (fire unions other than Waterford’s) protested at the Waterford Township Civic Center. The protest was under the guise of seeking citizen support to repeal Michigan’s Public Act 4, which outlines the duties and powers of state-appointed (emergency) financial managers. I will also say the majority of the people engaged in the protest were orderly and they were more than welcome to express their concerns at our civic center.

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to realize that the true meaning of the protest was to alienate our Waterford citizens with respect to contracting fire services with the city of Pontiac. Signs, as well as comments to the media reinforced my suspicions as to the real reason for the protest. The misinformation was disturbing and uncalled for at best.

Comments were made to (another media outlet) via video that Waterford citizens’ fire/EMS services would be “depleted in this deal,” there would be “possible fallout,” (and) this deal would “affect their services.” Signage stated, “Do you know where your taxes are going?” This is a sample of the remarks.

Waterford citizens deserve to know the (real) facts: Your tax dollars will remain in Waterford; your fire/EMS services will remain in tact, as always; and there will be no change in fire/EMS services to Waterford Township. Waterford will staff fire stations in Pontiac to serve the citizens with quality and professional services, hopefully with a majority of the same firefighters currently employed in Pontiac if they choose to apply and if they qualify for employment with Waterford Township. They will be under the direction of the Waterford Township fire chief and his administration.

This contract is strictly a business venture as it relates to revenues and expenditures. In order for this venture to be successful, Pontiac must save money and Waterford must make money. Both equations will be met.

There is no reason to and we will not change anything in Waterford Township. Almost all fire departments in Oakland County are and have been participants in mutual aid, whereas Waterford assists Pontiac when called upon and vise-versa. That also will remain in tact, not only with Waterford and Pontiac but with every fire department in Oakland County.

I don’t think any of us wish to see “changes” such as this, but again the (real) facts are revenues have been decreasing for the last 10 years; (and) property assessments have gone down, which creates a huge loss for municipalities in property tax dollars, our main source of income. Unfortunately the economic status has dictated these very types of “changes.” Business as we once knew it is no longer sustainable.

Unfortunately, Waterford Township, as well as the Waterford Professional Firefighters, is being blamed for promoting, instigating and initiating this contractual agreement. That is another (falsehood).

I attended a meeting where (Pontiac Emergency Financial Manager) Mr. (Lou) Schimmel explained there was interest in discussing changes in the manner in which fire service would be provided in the future for the city of Pontiac. I have an extreme amount of confidence in our fire (department) administration and their entire staff; there was no doubt in my mind Waterford Township could handle fire services for the city of Pontiac, thus the talks began.

I will also take the blame for an additional $2.2 million coming to Waterford through this contract, enabling us to continue providing fire/EMS services in Waterford without personnel cuts. Although I am part of this by being there and willing, I can’t take the blame for the city of Pontiac saving $3 million in this endeavor, that blame rests entirely on the shoulders of Mr. Schimmel. So you see, the citizens of both municipalities have gained!

I will also note (that) I, as well as the six other board members and our families, reside in Waterford. Do you think (any) of us would act in a manner to destroy or weaken our fire/EMS services?