Florida County Plans to Lay Off Firefighters

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. --

Eyewitness News learned that Osceola County is about to lay off several hundred people, arguably the most of any county in Central Florida.

Libraries are going to be open fewer hours and one fire station may close permanently. As many as 300 people will lose their jobs and that could happen as soon as next week.

Dozens of firefighters suit up in jackets each day and ride in trucks, but as early as this week many of them could be without work. Osceola County commissioners want $15.5 million slashed from the budget, but don't want to increase taxes. The county manager said the only way to do that is to cut jobs.

Some of the jobs on the cutting block are in the public safety sector.

"Obviously that's our primary service to the public and that's the last thing we want to look at, but I cannot make reductions of this size without affecting public safety. That's clear," Osceola County Manager Michael Freilinger said.

The county manager does not need board approval to make staffing reductions.

Milady Diaz lives in Osceola County and says the news of cuts is disconcerting.

"I'm scared. It's scary to know that all that is happening, especially now-a-days when you need all the system. It's kind of scary," Diaz said.

Another area that could be cut to save money would be the Osceola County Library System. Work days could be cut, as well as hours of operation.

Resident Mark Sands says there has to be another option to avoid the mass layoffs.

"I would rather have my taxes raised. Well, we need the public safety out here for the community," Sands said.

The final plan is still in the works and should be ironed out by the end of the week. The employees who are cut will be offered severance packages.

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