Brockton may soon expand its fire department.
Brockton is investigating the possibility of creating its own fire department in the Greenock area.
This after being faced with dramatic increase in fire costs from Arran Elderslie to cover Paisley catchment area.
Brockton Fire Chief Michael Rozario says it’s a real possibility but adds it wouldn’t happen overnight.
He says there are training issues and equipment purchases — and it could take two to three years to get something off the ground.
The Greenock Works Garage has been identified as a possible location for a small fire station
Outgoing Mayor Charlie Bagnato says Brockton pulled out of the joint Paisley Fire Board last year and is now being held ransom over fire service protection.
He claims Arran Elderslie is demanding that Brockton’s fire service costs jump from 28 to 40 thousand dollars in 2011 — with a 5 per cent increase a year over the five year agreement.
They are also insisting that Brockton pay an additional 80 thousand dollars to cover new capital costs that would remain solely in ownership of Arran Elderslie.
Bagnato says Arran Elderslie seems to hold all the cards and even refuses to credit Brockton with 64 thousand dollars in lost assets.
