NEWBURGH – Faced with the layoff of 12 paid firefighters at the end of July when a federal SAFER grant expires, the Newburgh City Council Monday night voted to apply for a third grant.
Lawmakers voted to retain three of the firefighters with city funds and apply to Washington for $1.37 million to pay for the other nine once they are laid off.
Council members debated the issue for well over an hour before deciding on the terms of the application with the understanding that there is no guarantee it would be forthcoming, but Councilwoman Karen Mejia said what they are proposing is the best alternative.
“It is the most fiscally responsible proposal that we can all support that speaks to the commitment that I think the entire board has for the fire department as well as acknowledges the tax base restrains that we presently have,” Mejia said.
The City of Newburgh has the only fully paid fire department in Orange County.
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