By Wayne Crenshaw
Macon.com

CENTERVILLE, Ga. — What appears to be a minor item in the annual budget approved by Centerville City Council on Tuesday is actually a major long-term financial commitment.

Before the vote, City Administrator Patrick Eidson made clear that by approving the budget the City Council essentially was accepting a federal grant to fund positions for three new full-time firefighters — along with a financial obligation.

The grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency gives the city $316,275 over five years to fund the three positions, but it also commits the city to paying $495,000 for its portion of the cost over that time period.

After five years, the city would pay 100 percent of the cost of the new positions. Also, the city is required to maintain the increased manpower and would face penalties if it cut other firefighter positions.

Full story: Fire department funded with strings attached