RIALTO – The Fire Department anticipates between six and 15 pink slips will be handed out some time within the next week. City Administrator Henry Garcia on Wednesday informed the department of the move, initiated in the face of a $4.8 million budget shortfall. “I think the economic forecast reflects that fire service agencies (across the state) would have to do some belt tightening,” Fire Chief Robert Espinosa said. If the pink slips lead to layoffs, plans call for the department to close Fire Station 202 on the northeast corner of Easton Street and Riverside Avenue, which will equate to the reduction of one fire engine, Espinosa said. If that happens, three fire captains and three fire engineers could be demoted, and layoffs could start among least-senior personnel, Espinosa said. Response times will increase, he said. “We will still maintain three engines, one ladder truck, a battalion chief and three medical ambulances,” he said. Garcia last month called for all departments in the city to reduce costs by 10 percent. The City Council wanted results by July 14, he said. “Every department has complied with the council’s desire to not burden the community with additional taxes and fees, with the exception of (the fire union),” Garcia said.
Story by: SB Sun
You must log in to post a comment.