Oakland, California, is facing a budget deficit and has decided to temporarily close two fire stations to save money. The closures are expected to save $5.5 million. The city plans to revisit the issue in February and may close four more stations.
Two Oakland fire stations will close on Monday in an effort to help balance the city’s budget.This is a temporary closure that’s supposed to last six months for Station 28 on Grass Valley Road and Station 25 on Butters Drive. Because these stations are being 'browned out,' it means they will be empty with nobody answering calls for help.Station 10, which is already closed, will remain closed.
Oakland plans to revisit the issue in early February and close four more stations, which would bring the total to seven. Seth Olyer, vice president of the Oakland Firefighters Union Local 55, said that the decision to close these stations is because city leaders decided it's not technically fire season right now.But, he said, 'the reality is that, unfortunately, there is no good fire station to close. It's all about response time.' The union is holding a news conference on Monday, trying to get the city to reverse its decision. Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington said while it might take longer, first responders will still show up to 911 calls. Oakland is facing a nearly $130-million budget deficit. And this is not the only area facing cuts. In a plan accepted on Dec. 18, there are also cuts to police and cultural arts programs. The cuts to fire are expected to save about $5.5 million.And on Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will have a critical vote to bring much-needed cash into the city by completing the sale of the Oakland Coliseum
BUDGET DEFICIT FIRE STATION CLOSURES OAKLAND EMERGENCY SERVICES CITY BUDGET
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