Saratoga Springs, NY – The city’s fire department faces a contentious budget debate as officials propose laying off eight firefighters to address a projected $5 million shortfall. Union President Joe Brimhall argues the cuts would jeopardize public safety by reducing crew sizes and raising overtime expenses.

Union’s concerns over staffing levels

Brimhall told reporters the department currently staffs each fire apparatus with four firefighters. “If we drop to three per truck, the dynamics of a response change dramatically,” he said. He warned that first‑on‑scene crews could be forced to wait for backup before entering a fire, potentially delaying extinguishment and rescue efforts.

City officials’ budget rationale

Finance Commissioner JoAnne Kiernan and Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll have publicly stated they do not believe the proposed layoffs will affect response times. The administration’s plan pairs the staff reductions with an 18‑percent increase in property taxes, aiming to close the budget gap without compromising emergency services.

Potential financial impact of the cuts

Brimhall cited a city analysis indicating that eliminating eight firefighters could actually cost the municipality an additional $85,000 in overtime. “It does not save any money,” he said, emphasizing that the short‑term savings are outweighed by longer‑term expenses and safety risks.

Contract negotiations stalled

The firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement expired nearly a year ago, and no new talks have been scheduled. Brimhall expressed frustration, saying the city has been reluctant to sit down and negotiate in good faith. “I want to take the city at face value that they want to work with us and find ways to preserve our staffing,” he added.

Community reaction

Local residents, many of whom are parents and seniors, have voiced concern that reduced staffing could affect neighborhoods that rely on quick emergency response. While the city’s leadership maintains confidence in its fiscal plan, the union’s warning highlights the tension between budget constraints and public‑safety priorities.

Next steps

The city council is expected to review the budget proposal at its upcoming meeting. Both the union and city officials say they will continue to present data and arguments, hoping to reach a solution that safeguards the community while addressing the fiscal shortfall.

Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.