Ithaca Fire Service Collaboration: Cost, Capacity, and Shared Solutions

For decades, the Town of Ithaca has contracted with the City of Ithaca’s Fire Department (IFD) to provide the majority of fire protection services within the Town. The two municipalities engaged CGR to evaluate current fire service costs, conduct a high-level review of operations, and explore options for equitably sharing costs.

The analysis found that IFD operates with staffing levels below those of peer cities and national guidelines, while operational costs have increased at a rate exceeding general inflation. The study also determined that establishing an independent fire service for the Town would be cost-prohibitive. In addition, CGR identified opportunities to improve communication and coordination between the Town and City.

Based on these findings, CGR outlined several potential cost-sharing approaches for consideration as the municipalities continue their long-term partnership.

For more information about this work, please contact Paul Bishop. 

February 12, 2026 CGR Briefs Edition