POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie announced Thursday that a hiring freeze for the city’s police and fire departments is necessary as a result of the budget gap created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Rob Rolison announced that $500,000 is being removed from the 2020 budget by not filling vacant positions. The first responders were exempt from the city’s first round of budget cuts. When the 2020 budget was originally approved, the position of second deputy chief for the fire department was created and budgeted for a salary of $102,000. That position has not been filled and will remain vacant under the latest cut. The position accounts for about 20 percent of the latest cuts.
Fire department union IAFF Local 596 President Nick Bucher said his members were disappointed with the announcement. “National standards have demonstrated the amount of manpower needed to extinguish fires. Our dedicated members step up and fight fires even though we’re understaffed.”
City Administrator Marc Nelson is hopeful that the freeze can be lifted going forward.
“I think that once we get beyond that there is hopeful news about a vaccine, we are going to return to job-one, which is bolster fire and police and continue to provide the essential services to the residents of the City of Poughkeepsie,” he said.
Nelson said that the city is cognizant of the staffing shortfalls, which call for three firefighters on a responding engine. “Prior to COVID-19, we wanted to grow the fire department. Existing challenges prevented that,” said Nelson, referring to the budget challenges created under the previous mayor.
The union rebuffed Nelson’s argument. “We are relieved to hear that there are no cuts to our current staff, but discouraged that needed positions will remain vacant. Staffing is a priority of this union and we will continue to push for manning levels equal to the recommended national standards,” said Bucher.
The police department is also challenged by the latest cuts. The department has faced staffing issues in the past and, the city and PBA worked to overcome the shortfall. A “retention program” was created to maintain a staffing level of 92 officers. The city, through attrition and pandemic, has failed to maintain the agreement.
“We have at least 20 officers that are eligible to retire,” said PBA President Kevin Van Wagner. “Cops across the nation are being targeted because of a few bad cops. That’s not us. Our officers are dedicated to protecting the city,” he said. When asked about the “hiring freeze,” he challenged the administration. According to Van Wagner, a COPS FAST grant, secured by Congressman Sean Maloney gave the city the ability to hire five new cops, for three years, at no cost to taxpayers.” Currently, the city has one officer in the academy, under the grant. Van Wagner added, “The city can get another four officers at no cost and it needs to happen. A hiring freeze in emergency services will have a negative impact on police response and city taxpayers deserve better.”
Nelson said the city is aware of the possibility of mass retirement. “You may see more retirements amongst the eligible force and that will put a strain on the department,” said Nelson. “Were probably going to see some issues down the road.”
