There’s new talk of a merger between Eau Claire and Altoona’s fire departments.
Eau Claire Deputy Chief Matt Jagger says the city already provides EMS service for Altoona, and there have been talks about a full fire merger in the past. He says the new talks are not yet final. The biggest sticking point will be the cost. Both cities say they will need to add new equipment, and Altoona may have to hire more full time firefighters. No one is guessing at a time table for a possible merger agreement.
