In an effort to cut costs once a fire and ambulance agreement expires next year, the Dousman Fire District has proposed merging with the Oconomowoc Fire Department to create a new district that it says will save the communities it covers $2.3 million over 20 years. Officials from the Dousman Fire District shared a proposal with the Oconomowoc Common Council on Tuesday night to create the Western Lakes Fire District by next year. The district would cover the city of Oconomowoc, the village of Dousman, the village of Summit and the town of Ottawa. Dousman Fire Chief Brad Bowen said no jobs would be cut, but the communities would save money by cutting equipment. “We ... know that fire and EMS needs continue to increase. We're seeing a decreased number of paid-on-call or volunteer firefighters and EMTs as training becomes harder and (there is) an increased number of hours,” Bowen said. “This is a long-term plan to help avoid costs and save some money.”