By Ashley Hall
 
September 29, 2008
 
JACKSONVILLE, Ore. -- The Jacksonville Fire Department is in discussions to combine with another fire district.
 
Just two years after implementing a public safety surcharge, the Jacksonville Public Safety Department says it is running out of money.
 
On Monday, Jacksonville fire officials met with Jackson County Fire District 3. Earlier this month, Fire District 3 presented a plan to absorb the city department.
 
Jacksonville fire leaders are also hoping to start talks with Applegate Fire District 9. In addition to the question of cost for joining the larger districts, there is also the question of whether the department would be kept in Jacksonville.
 
"If District 3, for example, takes it, would they provide the service from their existing station in Central Point, or would they build a station here? Which also is a factor into the bigger picture, we need a new facility. So if the city maintains its current fire structure and police structure, there would still have to be a building built," says Jacksonville Public Safety Chief David Towe.
 
The city can choose to sign a temporary contract with another fire district, but voters will have the final say.