Coral Springs, Margate, Coconut Creek and Parkland are exploring the feasibility of a joint fire rescue system.

The proposal, which has already been approved by city officials of all four cities, comes at a time when cash-strapped local bodies are trying to find ways to reduce expenses. City managers from the four cities will soon get together to discuss hiring a consultant to push the idea forward.

Of the four cities that are part of the equation, only Coral Springs and Margate have their own fire departments. While Coral Springs provides fire and emergency services to Parkland, Margate services Coconut Creek. According to the plan that is being considered, the Coral Springs fire department will act as the provider of services for the four cities.

The joint system will be in place by Oct. 1, 2010, if the four cities agree to such an arrangement, said Coral Springs City Manager Mike Levinson. “We are exploring the option for purposes of safety and cost-effectiveness. The intent is to spend the next fiscal year engineering a system that will serve the four cities. I have talked individually with other city managers; the fire chiefs have held discussions as well.”

The plan is to try the joint system out for two years. “The intent is to use the expertise the four cities have to create the fire rescue system,” said Levinson. “We will then take the plan to a qualified consultant. Coral Springs will in effect be the provider (of services.) The Margate fire department will merge with our department; their fire fighters will become part of our department. The services will be provided through interlocal agreements.”