Development News for New Baltimore, Michigan

City Council Debates Fire Department Staffing, Budgetary Constraints, and Infrastructure Repairs Amidst Resident Concerns

Councilwoman Haymon raised concerns about understaffing in the fire department, citing National Fire Protection Association requirements for interior fires and the potential for injury or loss of life. She stated that no additional staffing was included in the proposed budget. The Mayor responded by explaining that the budget is prepared by the administration and that the city cannot budget for something it doesn't have funds for, referring to deficit spending. He mentioned seeking a grant for three firefighters and that such grants have provisions against seeking reimbursement for already funded items. He also referenced a 2021 ballot proposal that failed to consider departmental deficits and needs. The Mayor detailed ongoing efforts for building renovations and the purchase of a new building for essential services, along with hiring a construction manager and architect. He stated that saying the community is underserved by not staffing the fire department is irresponsible, as the council is addressing it in stages and does not currently have the funds or housing for additional staff. He assured that the community is safe due to mutual aid packs with surrounding communities and that the issue is being addressed daily with the fire chief. He emphasized that the city does not have the funds to staff the department and that any hiring would be irresponsible without the means to pay. He mentioned a $3 million grant from Congresswoman Lisa Mlan towards fire department improvements and that it wouldn't cover expansion and housing needs. He also noted that meetings are recorded and published on YouTube. Councilwoman Haymon clarified that she had no intention of impugning the Mayor's character and appreciated his service, but reiterated that the council needs to work with the Mayor to address the staffing issue. She stressed the importance of making it clear that the fire department is understaffed and that the council needs to find ways to fund it outside the general fund, possibly through a ballot proposal in November. The discussion then moved to the potential for a 'no' vote on funding proposals and the need for fallback plans, including service reductions if funding is unavailable. The conversation also touched upon the bridge repairs and ongoing patching, with a resident expressing frustration over the continued state of disrepair and potential lawsuits. The engineer clarified that they are looking at the bridge, have applied for grants annually, and replaced a previous section that was collapsing. The Mayor asserted that generalized comments without knowledge are unhelpful and that they are addressing the issue. Another resident expressed concern about AT&T work and the city's lack of oversight, while also questioning the need for additional office space and the hiring of architects when bays are empty.