Huntington lays off firefighters

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) - Six local firefighters are out of a job and more could be on the chopping block. Huntington city officials say the budget left them no choice but to cut jobs in public safety.

"They're not going to be very popular decisions, but I have to do what's best for the citizens of Huntington and I have to look out for the pocketbook of Huntington," Huntington Mayor Steve Updike told NewsChannel 15.

Friday morning, Huntington's Board of Public Works and Safety approved the layoffs, which are based on seniority. Members also approved another wave of job cuts if needed. That wave would eliminate four more firefighters and three police officers.

The cuts come now that the city is struggling to deal with a $1.6 million dollar budget shortfall. Huntington Clerk-Treasurer Christi Scher explains the deficit comes from money the city is losing from tax appeals, in addition to less property tax revenue.

"We felt like we were backed up against the walls, that we didn't have anywhere else to cut, and it was labor that had to be cut next," said Scher.

Earlier this week, six clerical workers were also laid off, including the mayor's wife and Executive Assistant Pam Updike.

But, Huntington Firefighter Association Local 680 President Wayne Huff says no one saw the cuts in public safety coming. Huff says members of the department are devastated by the news.

"It was a very sad moment for all of us. It's not just for the families, it's the community," said Huff. "This is going to affect people's lives."

Huff says the cuts will bring the department's number of workers down to 1969 staff levels. He adds that fire officials will likely be forced to shut down one of the city's three fire stations, located at 747 Condit Street.

"If anyone has a medical emergency, or fire out there, the response time is now going to be 2-3 minutes longer," Huff told NewsChannel 15.

Firefighters say they will continue to provide the best service they can, despite having to do more, with less.

Sher tells NewsChannel 15 the city will save $250,000 thousand dollars by cutting the clerical workers, and $30,000 thousand dollars a month, with the six firefighters laid off.

The city is currently considering another way to gain some extra revenue, by implementing a $10 garbage fee per resident.

The proposal will be introduced to city council next week. If approved, it could bring in an extra $700,000 dollars a year.