Folsom Council votes to keep firefighters

Facing a possible "brownout" of a Folsom firehouse and ambulance unit, the Folsom City Council voted Tuesday night to keep eight new firefighters just hired. After two hours of discussion with a parade of speakers among a packed house, the Folsom City Council voted to deny a proposal to put 10 Folsom firefighter positions on the chopping block to cut costs. City Manager Bryan Whitemyer took to social media to urge the community to attend the meeting at City Hall. The council voted to deny deferring the vacant firefighter positions despite a projected $2 million saved. Eight positions are set to be filled July 21, with two firefighters choosing to work elsewhere after training, officials explained. About five current firefighters are also preparing for retirement in the next year, authorities said. Roughly 18 citizens – mostly firefighters from Folsom Fire and surrounding jurisdictions – spoke at the council meeting. Multiple speakers warned of widespread service disruptions, creating a rippling effect across nearby mutual aid agencies and remaining Folsom Fire personnel. "With fewer units available, neighboring stations must cover a wider area," staff said in the report. "To realize savings and reduce overtime costs, a fire station may need to be browned out," staff said. Whitemyer said service cuts such as this will have to happen elsewhere in the $266 million Folsom budget. "I don't take lightly the idea of delaying or deferring public safety hires. We deeply value our fire personnel and the vital services they provide," said Whitemyer. "However, we must also recognize that we have a $3 million operational deficit this year that is projected to grow to $5 million next year if necessary changes are not made." Whitemyer also reminded everyone that Measure G, a tax initiative on last year's November ballot, failed resoundingly, sending a clear message the city is now forced to "live within its means." Whitemyer said the city has tapped into reserves to cover essential expenses such as roof replacements and electrocardiogram monitors for Folsom Fire Department. However, at the current rate of deficit spending, the contingency fund could be drained in five years unless drastic cuts are made, Whitemyer explained. "This is not going to resolve itself," said Councilmember Barbara Leary. The city has implemented a hiring freeze for all positions fully funded by the General Fund, said Whitemyer, and the 10 open firefighter positions fell into this category. A fire station brownout refers to a temporary, planned reduction in fire department services due to budget constraints, staffing shortages or other limitations. Specifically, it usually means a fire station is partially or fully closed for a period of time. One or more fire engines, trucks or ambulances are taken out of service. The crew from that station is either reassigned or not staffed, reducing the department's overall response capacity.