San Diego fire union leaders say job cuts in the city’s 2027 draft budget could leave crews short-handed and threaten public safety. At the same time, the mayor has proposed nearly $27 million more for fire-rescue to help cover a $146 million shortfall.
Union officials warned that reducing staffing will strain existing crews. They said fewer personnel could slow response times and increase the workload for firefighters on each shift.
The mayor’s budget proposal seeks almost $27 million in additional funding for the fire-rescue department. The extra money is part of a broader effort to address a $146 million deficit in the city’s finances.
City leaders are balancing competing goals. Lawmakers must weigh the need to close the budget gap against the risks tied to cutting public safety positions.
Community members and officials are likely to debate the trade-offs in coming weeks. Union voices have already made clear their concern about potential impacts on emergency response.
The final budget will show how the city resolves these tensions. Officials must decide whether the proposed fire-rescue funding and other measures can protect services while bringing the budget into balance.
