In recent developments reported by the Chicago Tribune, Mundelein has taken a bold step towards administrative efficiency by merging its police and fire departments under a single leader. This move follows the retirement of Fire Chief Tim Sashko in April due to health reasons, and the subsequent departure of Deputy Chief Tim Leidig to another department. The decision to promote Police Chief Eric Guenther to the newly created role of Public Safety Director aims to streamline operations and reduce costs. Village Administrator John Lobaito mentioned that this new structure will serve as a trial for 12 to 24 months while Mundelein explores further collaboration opportunities with neighboring municipalities.
One potential partner is the Countryside Fire Protection District, whose Chief Jeff Steingart has expressed interest in exploring shared resources with Mundelein. Steingart emphasized that discussions are at an early stage, but both parties anticipate a collaborative future. The push for consolidation stems partly from Senate Resolution 760, which encourages local governments in Lake County to merge in order to cut costs. A committee tasked with studying these possibilities must submit a report by October 2016.
Mundelein's financial savings from eliminating the fire chief position amount to over $135,000 annually, based on Fire Chief Sashko's final salary of $147,113 compared to the new stipend for Police Chief Guenther. Despite the administrative changes, Mundelein has ensured that the positions of fire chief and police chief remain technically unfilled, preserving flexibility for future adjustments.
Meanwhile, Countryside already shares emergency response responsibilities with Mundelein, particularly around the Midlothian Road area. Their existing cooperation makes integration smoother, as Countryside operates independently but serves multiple communities, including parts of Vernon Hills and Lincolnshire. An agreement struck in the mid-1990s allowed mutual aid between the two entities, which could pave the way for broader consolidation efforts.
Efforts toward greater coordination extend beyond fire services. Vernon Hills' dispatch center, which handles communications for several nearby towns, is transitioning to a new Motorola network. This shift aligns with plans for a countywide dispatch center, which could bring additional efficiencies. Mundelein, however, remains cautious about fully committing to such systems and is still evaluating its options.
Looking ahead, Chief Steingart envisions a comprehensive consolidation across multiple agencies, though he acknowledges challenges like voter approval. Nevertheless, progress is evident in ongoing initiatives like improved dispatch coordination and technological upgrades. These efforts reflect a broader trend toward enhancing public safety while managing budgets responsibly.
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