(WSBT) There's talk that two of the busiest fire departments in St. Joseph County could merge. Clay and Harris Townships tried to merge fire departments in 2000. Now both fire chiefs say state government is forcing them to try it again.

Harris Township Fire Chief John Vance and Clay Fire Territory Chief Timm Schabbel say they're in the preliminary stages of merger talks right now. But they also say merging is something that already makes a lot of sense for both departments.

Vance knows dealing with state funds can be a delicate balancing act.

"This year roughly half of our staff would've been laid off if we did not get our emergency loan," he said. "We're talking 10 positions."

A property tax cap in Harris Township means the department has asked the state for seven emergency loans in the past seven years. This year's loan was for more than $900,000. Vance says the interest on that money could have been used to hire another full time Harris Township firefighter.

Vance says on October 25, the state Tax Control Board told Harris Township they needed to find another method of funding.

Vance's and Clay Territory Chief Timm Schabbel's solution: merging Clay and Harris into one fire department.

"If we have a fire, Harris is there, if they have a fire, we're there," Schabbel told WSBT. "We truly are brother and sister fire departments, we have been for years. So really this is kind of the next logical step."

Harris would bring its EMS service to a merger. Clay's accreditation status would make the territory unique.

Schabbel said both he and Vance think merging would make them more efficient by streamlining the efficiency of the administration.

Both chiefs known taxpayers will have questions. Kelly Havens said she's worried a merger would mean a loss of local control and the loss of a fire department dedicated just to Harris Township. She also is worried her property taxes could increase.

Vance says he doesn't think any of that would happen.

"I think both departments are very responsive with balancing the community needs and being fiscally responsible," said Vance.

County Commissioner Mark Dobson said things like shared training, equipment and administration could actually save money.

"In the long run, the greater efficiencies will cause tax rates to either stay flat or go lower," he said.

State law says a fire territory has to be adopted between January 1 and March 31 of a calendar year. Before that can happen, both fire chiefs say they have to decide whether it's beneficial for everyone. Then, township boards have to vote on it. The merger would then be effective July 1.

Chiefs Vance and Schabbel both say a new fire territory would not mean job cuts for Harris and Clay firefighters. They say they would probably hire more firefighters down the road.

The same budget cuts that Harris is facing could also force other local fire departments to consider merging. Portage and Center townships in St. Joseph County are talking about a possible merger that could be approved next year.