FORT WAYNE – The Allen County commissioners released a letter Thursday to Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry asking him to further explain his decision to end the 6-year-old joint homeland security department.

The letter states that the commissioners believe the joint department has been valuable to residents of Allen County and asks to start a dialogue with the mayor about the issue.

“Though your letter offers some reasons why you feel the city should end this agreement, it offers little specificity,” the commissioners wrote. “So that we can better understand exactly the issues in play, we would appreciate a written response to this letter that outlines in more detail why you feel it is in the best interest of citizens to discontinue the joint (department).”

Henry last week sent a letter to the commissioners stating he was ending the six-year “experiment” of the city and county operating and financing a joint homeland security department.. On Saturday he said the decision was made to reduce costs for the city, noting that counties are typically responsible for overseeing emergency management preparations.

The city’s net expenses for the department are expected to be $45,355 for 2011.

A spokesman for the mayor said Henry has already had constructive discussions with all three commissioners, and he would be willing to continue those talks. Henry, however, was still committed to ending the “duality” of the position, spokesman Frank Suarez said.

The agreement gives either side the option to end the pact with 60 days notice, which is the deadline the mayor started with his letter.

In their letter, the commissioners ask for a written response by Feb. 17 and an opportunity to meet with Henry to discuss the department.

“We agree with you that public safety for all of our citizens is an absolute priority,” they wrote. “So before we dismantle in 60 days what we’ve built over the past six years, let us be certain that our decisions are well vetted and in the best interests of the community.”

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