KENTWOOD, Mich. (WZZM) - After public comment and lengthy proposals from 17 departments within the City of Kentwood, council members decided to reduce the number of cuts to Kentwood's fire and police departments Wednesday night.
The Kentwood Fire Department will only have to layoff three firefighters instead of six firefighters. Likewise, the Kentwood Police Department will now lose two officers instead of four officers.
While the cuts are half of what was initially proposed in Mayor Richard Root's recommendation, the loss of emergency personnel still affects the quality of life for Kentwood residents, according to Police Chief Richard Mattice.
"What this proposal does to us is put us back a decade of progress, in this community," he said.
Firefighter and local union president Michael Abbott addressed commissioners, just hours after learning he is slated to lose his job. It is unclear based on the latest decision by council if Abbott will keep his job. Earlier in the evening, he explained what effects the original proposal would have.
"If this goes through this Friday, we're going to have two stations closed, so we'll only have three stations in the whole city of Kentwood. We will have five to six people at our Walma station, our East Paris and 28th Street station will be closed, and our 54th and Eastern station will be closed," Abbott said.
In addition, emergency calls designated as MED three, or non life threatening would be eliminated. Those calls comprise 14 percent of all 911 calls.
"It's an incredibly difficult choice but far, far more difficult for those that may not be with us if this budget isn't approved," said Mayor Richard Root.
The council still faces a deficit close to $1 million. This is the first time in Kentwood's history that the city's expense exceeds revenue. The loss is attributed to a 5 percent to 10 percent decline in property tax revenue. Mayor Root anticipates an even larger deficit of $4 million in the next fiscal year.
Many residents heard this sobering news in council chambers and an overflow room. Barb Larson, a non-union City Hall employee offered a portion of her salary to prevent any layoffs.
"I willingly will take a 10 percent or 15 percent pay cut for that not to happen to those families," she said.
Others questioned why a special property tax assessment or mill increase was not on the table. Residents expressed a willingness to consider a referendum in order to preserve positions, especially those in the police and fire departments. Mayor Root says he is open to the idea of a referendum, but is still worried about the upcoming fiscal year and future projected deficits.
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