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Area Firefighters Turn Out To Protest Proposed Budget Cuts
Volunteer firefighters from across the county turned out for a meeting of the Lawrence County Commission's Budget Committee Thursday evening in order to request that county leaders not cut funding for their departments.
Firefighters gathered en mass to protest projected budget cuts that would leave the sparsely-funded departments struggling. Members of the committee, comprised of County Executive Paul Rosson and County Commissioners Anne Brown, Jerry Putman, Chuck Doerflinger and Alan Keener, have recommended cutting funding for all twelve fire departments by $6,000 per department in the 2007-2008 budget.
The committee voted to approve the measure, with Anne Brown casting the sole nay vote. They indicate a second vote will likely be held during a meeting planned for next Thursday. Should the measure gain approval then, it will then be presented to the entire commission for consideration.
In the wake of the decision, Commissioner Chris Jackson issued the following statement:
"While I applaud my colleagues for continuing to cut fat from the county's budget and work towards a balanced budget, I do not support any effort to gut the fire departments, ambulance service or any other emergency service. Tough times call for tough decisions, but I simply do not think we should sacrifice our safety for a few dollars. There is no price tag on the safety and well being of our citizens. It is my hope that over the coming weeks we can come together and prepare a budget that is both fiscally responsible and ensures the safety of all Lawrence Countians."
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