Two Steps Behind: On Budget Cuts and Department Pride

A recent fire buff photo show inspired the Webmaster to compose this presentation in tribute to Rowley firefighters.

After the events of the past week, however, the score seems appropriate in a different way.

On Monday, March 10 the Board of Selectmen notified the RFD that we will be subject to a 20% budget cut for FY2009. Regarding a projected $200,000 municipal budget shortfall, Selectmen Chair David Petersen stated, "We need desperately to come up with funding. What I'm looking for is about a $40,000 reduction for next year's budget." Selectmen stated they feel the RFD is ‘over-budgeted.’ Chairman Petersen also threatened possible layoffs if the money isn’t found within the budget.

In recent years the department has been able to end the budget year in the black through prudent spending. Our fiscal restraint has allowed us to save some money for much-needed capital projects. We would not have been able to repair the driveway without these funds, and this year’s ‘surplus’ is earmarked for a much needed new roof on the station. Saved funds were also used to rebuild Engine 4 to extend its useful life. Without them we would need to replace two engines instead of only one.

The RFD recognizes that financial times are tough, and there may be a municipal budget shortfall this year. We understand the need for belt-tightening. However, we strongly disagree with balancing the budget on the back of any one agency. Rowley’s selectmen are seeking to make up 20% of the budget shortfall from the fire department budget, while many other departments take smaller percentage cuts. This is unfair. If cuts are necessary, they should apply equally to all.

The Daily News agrees:
“A surplus is evidence that a department is planning for its future, and is prepared to deal with unexpected costs on its own, rather than running to the town demanding supplemental funding. That kind of fiscal prudence deserves praise, not punishment.”

The editorial goes on to emphasize that municipal department heads commonly overspend their budgets because they know they will lose the money otherwise. Selectmen should be giving departments incentives to save money, not punishing them.

Read the full editorial here: Budget cut sends wrong message to firefighters

In a related item, the RFD is still operating with one engine less than we need. Engine 1’s 1985 Ford was deemed unsafe two years ago. We urge the Selectmen and voters of Rowley to support its replacement. As always, funding would come from a Proposition 2 1/2 override and would have no bearing on the current budget crisis. For more information, please visit Support RFD Engine 1.org.

The taxpayers of Rowley may rest assured that regardless of the financial future of the town, Rowley’s firefighters will continue to respond to the best of their abilities. However, budget cuts and equipment shortages may soon leave us two steps behind.