Van Buren town board members are expected to vote tonight on a plan to consolidate the Lysander and Baldwinsville Fire Departments. The Town of Lysander approved the measure earlier this month which is expected to help improve fire protection in both towns. Our Brad Vivacqua has more.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Most people we've talked to over the past few months believe the plan will help improve fire protection in both the towns of Lysander and Van Buren.

A little more than a week ago, the Lysander board approved the measure but now it must be approved by Van Buren officials.

The plan eliminates the current Smoky Hollow and Northern Fire Protection Districts and extends the Lysander fire district to protect both towns.

If approved, homeowners would see a slight change in tax rate which fluctuates depending on which town they live.

Officials from both towns believe the move will help gain more volunteer firefighters and help lessen the burden of high operational costs.

Van Buren Town Supervisor Claude Sykes said, "Lysander was lacking in manpower so they're going to gain the manpower they need. Baldwinsville is at a benefit because they can spread it over what is now the Lysander district. Six hundred extra parcels to help spread cost. So, overall it's a win win."

If approved, another public hearing and vote would take place to dissolve the current fire protection districts.

Officials say the new district would be set to go into effect June 1.