Kennebunk and Kennebunkport fire departments have worked well together in emergency and non-emergency situations for years, the fire chiefs of  both communities say.

Now, the departments will examine how they might work together more closely on some matters, such as sharing equipment,  while retaining autonomy.

Select boards in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have agreed to the formation of a task force to look at areas where they might be able to work together, on equipment purchases, or ideas like sharing the services of a mechanic to work on fire vehicles, for example, as some other Maine towns do.

The Kennebunk Select Board approved the task force measure Feb. 22 and after discussion, Kennebunkport selectmen did so on Feb. 24.

“The pressures exerted on municipal fire departments have been mounting over the years (with) increased call volumes, the need for staffing, the increased costs for building and equipment, and we’ve been thinking about ways we can help each other out,” Kennebunkport Fire Chief John Everett told selectmen.

The idea originated with the realization each department was in line to replace expensive aging ladder trucks – at about $1.2 million or more – and they began to wonder if they might be able to share one, said Everett.

He pointed out that the two departments and neighboring Arundel Fire Department already collaborate on training, holding training sessions three times a month so personnel from all three departments can take advantage of the opportunity.

Kennebunkport selectmen discussed sharing equipment, but moved on to other matters surrounding a task force, and initially there were some reservations.

“I’m all for being a good neighbor and helping out Kennebunk and seeking reciprocity with them, but I’m not big on getting into bed with another municipality and creating a whole hierarchy structure,” said Selectman Ed Hutchins. “All we have to do is look at the school system and see how well that’s worked out for Kennebunkport. That is my cautionary tale when I would ask you to talk with Kennebunk. I will not support anything that gives away any of our autonomy in the future, even if it costs us a bit more money.”

“I would be receptive to seeing any plan you come up with,” said selectman Mike Weston. “We’re dealing with professionals here and I don’t think professionals let things get out of control.”

“My opinion is I’m all for looking into the task force and everything, but I have some reservations about sharing the equipment, I’d like to see how the task force would handle that,” said selectman Allen Daggett.

“We’d retain our administration, assistant chiefs, etc., we’re not giving up any control over that,” asked Hutchins.

“No,” said Everett.

Kennebunkport Town Manager Laurie Smith said she is a proponent of the task force for a number of reasons.

“We are on the cusp about our ability to continue with an on-call fire service,” said Smith. “We’ve been very fortunate in Kennebunkport.” Smith pointed out many other communities are using per diem personnel and full-time staff, and said if Kennebunkport came to the point of going to a full-time fire service it would add $1 million annually to the budget – and staffing is a concern. “We’re pulling from the same labor pool,” Smith said, noting that fewer new firefighters coming into the industry to replace those who are retiring.

She said she understands the desire to maintain control over the town’s destiny and has not asked that be given up.

Chair Sheila Matthews-Bull said she supported the task force idea, “but we have to be careful about the two communities coming together beyond this.”

Hutchins said he worries Kennebunkport would “get steamrolled.”

“My point is to protect the interest of the taxpayers of Kennebunkport,” said Hutchins.

Weston said he was feeling positive about the task force and believed the discussion had been negative. He said the fire chief did “not need a lecture.”

Hutchins then moved in favor, and the vote was unanimous.

In Kennebunk, the vote to approve formation of a task force was also unanimous.

The task force will include the two chiefs, two additional officers and firefighters from each community, as well as a facilitator.

“I’m really glad to see this coming to light,” said Kennebunk Select Board member Kortney Nedeau. “It really makes sense to bring the two together to explore what that would look like.”

“I’m glad to see it moving in a positive direction,” said board member Bill Ward.

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