Florida City OKs Fountain, Not Firefighters

Aug. 24, 2007
The union president said public safety should come first.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --

The city of Kissimmee plans to build a pricey new fountain, while cutting city jobs.

The $200,000 fountain will sit on M.L.K. Boulevard. The city said it will serve as a welcoming sign downtown.

But, 19 positions city-wide won't be filled and the fire department is expected to lose 4 prime positions. Firefighters said it's a true disappointment that their department has to take a back seat to the new plans.

"They could be more creative in saving the firefighters positions. You know, put safety first," said Jim Walls, the Kissimmee Fire Union president.

A city spokeswoman defended the project, saying the fountain will be paid for out of the capital budget, a separate budget from the general fund where employee's salaries come from.

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