Atlanta Firefighters Face More Possible Job Cuts

The city is looking at ways to save money and has not ruled out firefighters furloughs or closing fire stations.

Nov. 20, 2008

2 min read

ATLANTA --

The Atlanta Fire Department is facing more possible job cuts and closed fire stations.

The city is looking at ways to save money and has not ruled out firefighters furloughs or closing fire stations.

The idea drew criticism from residents at a public meeting in southwest Atlanta. In attendance were City Council President Lisa Borders, Councilman C.T. Martin, and officials with the firefighters union.

Borders told the audience that slumping revenues have left the city with a $50 million shortfall, necessitating cuts. But, she says she and other council members will be forgoing about $2 million from their own budgets to help with the situation.

"To add our part, at least me personally, to contribute back to the pot of money that's available for the mayor to run this city," Borders says.

Martin says any budget cuts, especially those that hit public safety, need to keep the firefighters in mind.

"The key thing is the safety of the firefighters," he says, "because they have a very dangerous job."

The firefighters union says it recognizes that money is tight. But one official also says cutting firefighters and closing stations only makes a bad situation worse.

"They're going to have less staffing to fight a bigger fire, so it's a very dangerous situation," says Atlanta Fire Department Lieutenant Jim Daws. "Anywhere money can be found. I think if the city council is considering returning that carry forward to the general fund that they ought to earmark it for public safety."

Mayor Shirley Franklin says she wants a 10 percent budget cut for all city departments.