Fire Union Leader Concerned About Columbus Budget

COLUMBUS -- The leader of a central Ohio union is concerned Mayor Coleman's proposed budget for the city's fire department is inadequate.

Columbus Firefighters IAFF Local 67 President Jack Reall told ABC 6/FOX 28 the department's ranks are dwindling because of extra retirements due to pension reform, and the mayor's planned number of fire fighters could pose a threat to the city's residents.

Under the mayor's plan, Columbus would have 1,552 firefighters by 2013, with a budget of $219 million.? The budget calls for a firefighter class of 35 in December 2012, and another class of 35 in June.

Reall said he is concerned the growing population in the City of Columbus will couple with the increased number of emergency runs over the past decade to threaten taxpayers' safety.

"If we have fewer people on the street, we will have to increase run times," said Reall.? "We are hiring on projected retirements, but we are having more retirements take place."

Public Safety Dept. spokesman Amanda Ford said any problems associated with the mayor's proposed budget would be addressed as needed.

"We will continue to keep an eye on issues of run times, and if it becomes an issue, we can look at adding personnel or look at additional fire stations," said Ford, who believes the department's 2012 overtime budget, which decreased by $2.5 million, "[tells] us we are at a good staffing level right now.? We don't want to just [go]ahead and just assume we are going to need additional staff because of retirements that have not happened."?

Reall said he will submit a proposal to city council members that requests the development of a long term plan to increase the number of fire stations in Columbus.?

"If that medic you need is four minutes away, but is tied up on a heart attack or fire run right within your area, your next fire truck or medic is coming from at least eight minutes away," Reall said.

City Council members are slated to hold a budget hearing for the Public Safety Dept. on December 12, at 5 p.m.? The council is expected to vote on passage of the budget by early February.

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Reporter: Lu Ann Stoia
Web Producer: Ken HinesFire Union Leader Concerned About Columbus Budget

Source: http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wsyx_fire-union-leader-concerned-columbus-budget-20773.shtml?wap=0

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