The potential consolidation of Aberdeen and Hoquiam fire and ambulance services took another step forward Monday when the Hoquiam City Council approved funding for a study to explore consolidation options.
A letter presented Monday signed by Hoquiam Mayor Jasmine Dickhoff, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson and Cosmopolis Mayor Frank Chestnut, addressed to members of all three city councils, began, “We write to seek your concurrence to initiate an effort to explore and plan for the consolidation of services between our three cities. We are convinced that such an undertaking is in the best interest of our citizens.” In her council report, Dickhoff said she was “excited to enter the study with Aberdeen,” adding that there would be many opportunities throughout the consolidation process for council members from all three cities and the citizens of those cities to provide feedback on any consolidation decisions.