OCEAN SHORES, Wash. - The City of Ocean Shores has made a move to combine the efforts of the Police and Fire departments. Mayor Dean Bunkers said they have placed Fire Chief Jim Hodges on administrative leave - with pay, while they seek to eliminate his position.
Bunkers tells us "This is just what I feel is a prudent financial decision for me to consolidate two positions down into one which will save us a good chunk of money"
A Press Release from the City stated that Bunkers will be asking the city council to reorganize the Fire Chief and Chief of Police Duties into a single position, Bunkers said the city is facing a huge deficit "The failure of the EMS Levy has increased our deficit out there by $687,000."
The recommendation made by the mayor seeks to eliminate the Fire Chief position by December 31st.
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