BOARDMAN — Township trustees are disappointed with Canfield City Council’s decision to oppose a merger between the Boardman Fire Department and the Cardinal Joint Fire District.

“It is disheartening to note that Canfield City Council passed a resolution opposing the merger without engaging in prior discussions, attending work sessions or participating in educational efforts,” a news release from township Administrator Jason Loree states. “The sentiment expressed by the council, encapsulated in the adage ‘If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,’ overlooks the systemic challenges faced by the fire and EMS systems in Mahoning County.”

Canfield council unanimously voted March 20 to oppose the merger despite a plea from fire district Chief Don Hutchison to delay the vote so he and a committee could gather more information.

“I would ask to hold off for a month or so to get all the numbers,” Hutchison said at the meeting.

Before approving the resolution 7-0, council noted the fire district’s collective bargaining members were against bringing the township’s fire department into the district.

In Loree’s release, he stated initial conversations between the township and fire district revealed “no single community possesses the capability to provide both Fire and EMS services simultaneously.”

“The proposed merger is looking at a more efficient and cost-effective strategy to meet the needs of all stakeholders,” the release states. “Cardinal’s operational method, relying on their fire department to alternate between fire and EMS calls, poses significant risks. The notion that neighboring communities will consistently provide support to cover service deficiencies is unsustainable and jeopardizes public safety.”

Loree stated that by consolidating resources, each station in Boardman and Canfield would be able to house fire and EMS units and would ensure continuous emergency coverage. Along with that, there would be financial benefits.

“Projected cost savings of $3 million on firetruck procurement underscore the financial benefits of the merger,” Loree said.

A merger also would “create a more attractive employment destination and mitigate recruitment issues currently plaguing area agencies,” the release states.

Loree stated trustees “will prioritize protecting Boardman residents from potential lapses in service,” but also invited Canfield City Council members to attend work sessions and ask questions.