Budget Woes Push Decommission of Tenn. Vehicles

April 29--In an effort to cut costs in what figures to be a tough budget year, the Memphis Fire Department plans to take four ladder trucks and a rescue vehicle out of service, officials said Saturday.

City Council members learned of the planned decommissioning of the vehicles as they opened hearings on Mayor AC Wharton's proposed $628.3 million operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The first day of hearings focused on the fire and police department budgets, as well as council's own expenses.

The vehicles recommended being decommissioned are Ladder Truck 6 in the North Memphis and Frayser area, Ladder Truck 12 in the Sherwood Forest and University of Memphis area, Ladder Truck 13 in the Medical District and Midtown areas, Ladder Truck 26 in Hickory Hill and the Rescue Company 1 vehicle located on Willow Road in East Memphis.

Ladder trucks typically carry ladders, rescue tools and other tools to help firefighters reach fires inside structures. Engines, also commonly referred to as "water trucks," typically carry water, hoses and pumps used in fire fighting. The Rescue Company 1 vehicle is a heavy-rescue vehicle that can be used to combat hazardous material incidents, carry personnel and equipment and assist in rescue situations.

Fire union officials said an attrition strategy approved last year and the reduction of vehicles would jeopardize public safety.

"If you take equipment out of service, it has to impact response times and it has to affect public safety," said Larry Anthony, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1784.

But fire director Alvin Benson said the remaining equipment and firefighters would be able to provide sufficient coverage to city residents.

"The coverage is adequate, for sure," said Benson. "There's still response capability for those geographic areas."

Councilman Joe Brown warned city officials about making deep cuts to services.

"We're going to have to admit truthfully that there are areas we can't cut," said Brown. "The citizens we serve want safety from law enforcement and fire."

Last year, the Fire Department and council agreed on an attrition strategy that will result in 111 fewer jobs as employees retire over three years.

Wharton's proposed budget for city operations showed a savings of $4.5 million from putting the fire vehicles out of service and closing five libraries, including the Highland Branch, Cossitt Branch and the Poplar-White Station Branch. The other two library branches to be closed will be decided later.

Wharton's budget calls for a 47-cent property-tax hike to fund Memphis City Schools. Including school funding, the total budget would be around $696 million.

The council began budget hearings Saturday by looking at its own expenses. Council chairman Bill Morrison proposed $21,500 in cuts, including $13,500 in reductions in travel, seminars and education.

Several council members, led by Myron Lowery, defended travel spending, saying it can yield benefits for the city, such as a prescription discount card Lowery introduced to Memphis after attending a conference.

The council's budget committee voted to restore the $13,500 in proposed reductions to travel, seminars and education. The full 13-member council will still have to vote on the budget.

"If we're even going to have a discussion about a tax increase, this council needs to first have a discussion about cuts," said Morrison. "The things put back in this budget benefit council members and constituents, but a majority of this type of stuff can be done online now."

Budget committee chairman Jim Strickland said the committee's vote to restore funding to the council's budget and Wharton's call for a tax hike shows that city officials are out of touch with the public.

"There's a huge disconnect between City Hall and the public," said Strickland.

-- Amos Maki: (901) 529-2351