Austin city manager to rethink cuts of firetruck staffing

Austin City Manager Marc Ott temporarily withdrew on Thursday a cost-saving proposal to alter staffing at the Austin Fire Department, saying the idea needed further consideration. Ott said that he wants community input on whether the department should reduce the number of firefighters on some engines from four to three at certain times and will conduct meetings with residents during the next few weeks.

The staffing-change proposal came after the city already had community meetings to discuss other budget cuts citywide.

“Make no mistake, the Fire Department will participate in our efforts to reduce overall expenditures,” Ott said.

The move came after mounting pressure from several City Council members fighting the proposal and after a news conference Thursday by nearly 100 firefighters outside City Hall to discuss problems with the staffing change.

Officials have estimated that the plan would save the department about $200,000.

Union representatives have said the decision would hinder their ability to respond and would put their safety at risk.

It is the second time Ott has stalled or changed a cost-cutting measure he initially proposed. He also had proposed cutting library operations at every branch by 9.5 hours a week but reconsidered after talking with residents in small groups and at a town hall meeting and hearing how much they value libraries.

“I think it is good that he is going to look at other options,” fire union secretary Bob Nicks said. “Our stance is that in tough economic times, the Fire Department certainly should have to share the burden. We don’t feel that core services should be the first things that are hit.”

Council Member Brewster McCracken, who is running for mayor, said he was pleased that Ott still wants the department to share in budget cuts.

“I have been personally agnostic in what form that sacrifice will take,” McCracken said. “I will rely on the professional judgment of the city manager and the Fire Department to make that decision.”

Ott also said in the memo to council members that he will proceed with delaying an police cadet academy, a decision that also has raised concerns among some council members. The class was set to start this month.

“The police chief has requested that there not be another change to the cadet class schedules because of the confusion caused to the new recruits, their families and current employers,” Ott said in his memo.
By Tony Plohetski, The Austin American-Statesman
Report from News 8, Austin