RIVERDALE, Ga. — After four days of controversy, the Riverdale City Council voted to merge the Riverdale and Clayton County Fire Departments.
The public was given one last opportunity to express their opinions during a special meeting Saturday afternoon. However, there was some confusion about the format of the meeting.
At Wednesday's special meeting, the council discussed the idea of a town hall where residents could speak directly to officials. However, when the memo was published, Saturday's meeting was called a special meeting as well.
Councilman Kenny Ruffin admitted the council could have done better with communication.
"Administratively, there are some things that we have to clean up to make sure this doesn't happen again," Ruffin said. "I think the goal is to try to...[not] let it fester so long next time."
Wednesday, the council also presented the idea of a possible special election where residents could vote whether they wanted to merge or not, as they were concerned about EMS response times and taxes. And when it comes to firefighters, they wanted to ensure their pensions, benefits, seniority, and employment wouldn't change.
"Nobody's being kicked out," Ruffin said. "So, they'll get an open chance to qualify through civil services."
At first, the council only allowed public comment from those who signed up ahead. After residents continued to interject, the mayor opened the floor.
The city council, mayor, and manager, as well as the Clayton County interim fire chief, answered direct questions and presented information to those who came to the meeting. The Riverdale Fire Chief spoke for the first time this week. 11Alive did request an interview with him but was denied.
Riverdale Resident Michele Robinson said she left more informed than she did earlier this week.
"This meeting was engaging," Robinson said. "It was informative, and it educated the public on the issue of the fire service. So, now we all left today or sat here understanding what the issues and the challenges are."
At the very end of the meeting, the vote was 3-1 to consolidate the apartments in response to the special election. Councilwoman Mary Granison said not enough people show up to special elections to be comfortable making decisions for thousands.
"How is it, really, affecting the firefighters? Because I think it should have been a lateral move," Robinson said.
Many residents told 11Alive they felt like the decision was a done deal anyway.
"They still didn't explain how that money is going to be spent," Robinson said.
Leaders said the merge is expected to bring staffing increases and more equipment on the way.
Ruffin said he's not sure when the integration will officially start, but during the meeting, leaders said they expect changes within 60 days.