BELLEVUE — A public meeting to discuss the proposed merger of the Dayton and Bellevue fire departments drew a small numberof residents and firefighters Wednesday, but no clear indication of how the Bellevue council will vote.

        Council members may vote on the issue at the next regular meeting Nov. 14.

        Mayor Jack Meyer, who favors the merger, said “our primary concern is the level of service we provide to our citizens. A merger would increase that service. If we saved money, which we would, that would still be secondary to the safety of our citizens.”

        The merger has been in the discussion stages for almost a year, and Dayton City Council has already voted in favor of bringing the two departments together.

        An analysis of the proposed merger by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District showed that Bellevue would realize $62,000 in savings during the first year of the merger and up to $500,000 over five years.

        The interlocal agreement for the merger plan approved by Dayton calls for the merged department to be housed in the Dayton facility because it is larger and has been recently renovated. That has drawn criticism from some Bellevue residents who feel they are losing their fire department.

        Veteran Bellevue firefighter Chuck Enzweiler said his primary concern was manpower, regardless of whether Bellevue council voted for or against the merger.

        “My first choice would be to keep the two departments separate and for Bellevue to hire three additional firefighters, one for each shift,” he said. “If that's not possible, then I would favor the merger because it would still mean more manpower available to respond.”

        Bellevue Fire Chief John Daley said the merger gives Bellevue the chance to strengthen the department and the level of service without increasing costs.

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