East Cleveland is facing a fire emergency.
Just about a year ago, the city had just one fire truck and was relying on other cities to help them. But the city's problems haven't gone away. They now have more trucks but soon they will have only eight firefighters to run them.
On Tuesday, the East Cleveland Fire Department will cut all part-time firefighters, according to IAFF Local 500, the union that represents the workers.
Today ECFD IAFF Local 500 was informed by Mayor Norton that our daily minimum manning will be dropped from 10 members on...
Posted by East Cleveland Firefighters IAFF Local 500 on Monday, April 11, 2016
Mayor Gary Norton says the layoffs are necessary because of massive budget cuts, and they will likely continue.
"These cuts should not come as a surprise," said Mayor Norton in a statement to newsnet5.com. "They are a symptom of a larger problem. East Cleveland, like many Ohio cities, has lost revenue due to state cuts and local economic conditions. Cuts will continue as revenue is projected to decrease in future years."
Read the entire statement below:
Simply put, East Cleveland's local economy does not generate enough revenue to pay for the staff and equipment necessary to function as a freestanding city in Ohio. The city of East Cleveland's financial recovery plan, which was approved by both the City Council and the state-imposed financial planning and supervision commission, calls for massive budget cuts affecting all city services in 2016, 2017 and 2018 ($1 million in 2016, $1 million in 2017 and more than $2 million in 2018). While nearly all city services have been cut over the past few years, fire/EMS has been spared until now. At this point, the cuts dictated by the financial recovery plan and projected revenue decrease are so deep that the city can no longer avoid cutting the fire/EMS budget. The city's financial situation has been discussed with city Council and the community for more than two years. These cuts should not come as a surprise. They are a symptom of a larger problem. East Cleveland, like many Ohio cities, has lost revenue due to state cuts and local economic conditions. Cuts will continue as revenue is projected to decrease in future years.
This isn't the first time the department has taken a hit. In 2003, the staff of 14 was cut to just 10.
IAFF Local 500 President Thomas Buth says they simply can't go any lower.
newsnet5.com asked Buth if he's worried for residents. His answer? Absolutely.
"When they call we come, Buth said. "Now they're going to have to be very, very definitive on what they need to call us for. Only drastic emergencies. Don't call us for the simple things."
Buth also said that if a member is off on injury, illness, bereavement, jury duty, or any other circumstance, they will not be replaced. Therefore, manning could dip below eight members on some days.
The changes will take effect at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
