Council Bails Out Fire Department
In an attempt to at least partially rescue the city Fire Department’s budget, the City Council agreed Wednesday to transfer $1.75 million from the dwindling reserve fund to help pay for emergency medical supplies.
The council also agreed to more fully examine the Fire Department’s billing procedures and collection rates. An ordinance is expected to be drafted within a month to establish new structures for the recovery of medical supplies.
City Councilwoman Laura Chick, who chairs the council’s Public Safety Committee, said the Fire Department needs to be more fully reimbursed for supplies.
Several council members said they too are concerned about the Fire Department’s budget, which has come under some scrutiny after the recent death of fire Capt. Joseph Dupee. Union officials had said budget reductions left the department shortstaffed, but Dupee’s crew suffered no staff cutbacks, fire officials have said.
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