News Summary

Between fire and EMS runs, Middletown's firefighters spent Wednesday trying to figure out why City Council did not approve a temporary appropriations budget for the Division of Fire.

"I wish I could say it shocked me," said firefighter Jon Harvey, president of the Middletown Fire Fighters Association Local 336. "I'm pretty disappointed that they changed their mind."

At its Nov. 21 meeting, council made a unanimous motion to have the city administration come back on Dec. 5 with an emergency ordinance to set up a temporary appropriations budget for the fire division's operations.

However, with one council seat vacant, the remaining members of council on Tuesday voted 5-1 for the temporary $2.11 million budget. However, because it was an emergency ordinance that would take effect immediately, all six council members had to approve it.

Councilwoman Laura Williams voted against the emergency ordinance because she supported the voters' decision last month when a proposed 0.75-percent income tax increase was soundly rejected.

Council is expected to consider the same legislation at its Dec. 19 meeting when two new council members are expected to be appointed and sworn-in.

"How things switched was disappointing for us," Harvey said. "I hate to see a guy looking at being laid off."

Harvey said he's confident council will approve a fire budget, but Tuesday's action left him confused. He did not know how this issue will play early next year when the city and union begin negotiating a contract.

"How long can this go on until it's fixed?" Harvey asked.

Finance Director John Lyons said until a budget is approved, there won't be any fire division expenditures starting Jan. 1.

He was uncertain how the fire division could operate if there was no budget authorized. "We've never faced this situation before," he said.

Law Director Les Landen said it was "a curious situation" and said he is researching how to address the situation.

Fire Chief John Sauter said his department is starting to discuss what council's action means and what needs to be done.

"I've never heard of anything like this happening before," Sauter said. "I assume a budget will be passed and things will be made right with the guys."

Sauter said Middletown firefighters make about 25 fire and EMS runs per day.

Firefighter David Von Bargen said he was "obviously very disappointed and very concerned."

Von Bargen said he was also concerned about the four firefighters who are looking at being laid off and their families. He also added that a career in the fire service is tough and very competitive.

"We'll continue to do our job and give it 100 percent," he said. "But I'm afraid our 100 percent won't be enough for somebody."

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.