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Firefighters: Increase fees

Ideas generated to save cash, not reduce captains from 6 to 3

WARREN — As promised, union leaders in the Warren Fire Department offered the administration some ideas on how to save money and generate revenue instead of reducing the number of captains.

They made their pitch during a police and fire committee meeting last week during which the rank reduction and also a change in fire inspector requirements were discussed. Council has proposed reducing the number of fire captains from six to three through attrition and changing a requirement that fire inspectors should hold the rank of captain.

Council is expected to make a final vote on the two ordinances Wednesday.

Administration officials have said the two proposed changes could save the city at least $369,000 in salary and benefits with the elimination of the captain positions, and even more through the reduction of overtime for captains who serve as fire inspectors.

Firefighter John Jerina, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 204, told council the city can make up some of its costs by increasing the fees for some services and adding fees for others.

Jerina said the city could charge insurance companies and others for the city’s use of its equipment when the department has to go to accident scenes and other emergencies. The city also could increase fees for having firefighters present at fireworks displays and other non-emergency events.

The union provided a list of potential billings that include charges of up to $200 per truck, which would include a driver and an operator, according to a document provided by Jerina. The city could charge organizations up to $300 for fireworks standby. Right now, that service is provided free.

Jerina provided more than two dozen examples of price points.

“We looked at what other departments in Trumbull County are doing, as well as other departments throughout the state,” Jerina said. “What we are talking about will not equal the $369,000, but it is money that will compensate some of our costs.”

Safety Service Director Enzo Cantalamessa said the administration would be willing to consider some of the ideas presented. Cantalamessa said the city’s proposals would not decrease safety either for the firefighters or the public.

On Friday, Jerina said he is optimistic about Wednesday’s vote.

“I don’t think council members will only consider finances when deciding to support these two pieces of legislation,” he said. “We have been working to make sure they understand our position on these issues.”

Councilmen Alford Novak, D-2nd Ward, and John Brown, D-3rd Ward, have not made up their minds about the vote. Councilman Eddie Colbert and Councilwoman Helen Rucker, both D-at large, said they appreciate the firefighters bringing revenue-generating ideas to the table.

Colbert is against the legislation, while Rucker is for it.

rsmith@tribtoday.com

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