EVANS CITY — The Evans City Volunteer Fire Company is considering a merger with the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Department.

Evans City fire department President Matt Otto told the borough council Monday night that Connoquenessing approached the Evans City department regarding the prospect of merging the neighboring departments.

Both departments have formed feasibility committees to consider the idea. Evans City Fire Chief Steve Bicehouse said the committees have met with each other, and both voted to proceed with the idea.

Bicehouse said the two departments compete against one another for funding while providing the same services in the municipalities they serve. Bicehouse said Evans City just bought a $500,000 fire engine, and Connoquenessing needs one. He said it would be foolish for Connoquenessing to buy a new fire engine as well.

In the event of a merger, Bicehouse said both municipalities would keep a fire station.

A complete report appears in Tuesday's Butler Eagle.