EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — East St. Louis plans to lay off 22 firefighters later this year due to a lack of funds.
With the loss of 22 firefighters, the city’s fleet will be reduced to 31, according to the Associated Press.
Financial Advisory Authority budget director Brandon Drake says the layoffs will happen because a three-year, $3.3 million federal grant runs out at the end of March. He says the city has enough money to keep the firefighters employed through May.
Drake says he will meet with firefighters and other city officials to figure out a way to lessen the amount of firefighters laid off.
“The city needs to make public safety a priority. This should start with the city officials taking the time to sit down with all parties, including the FAA, to discuss ways to save as many firefighters as possible,” Drake told the Belleville News-Democrat.
Mayor Alvin Parks Jr. said the city has yet to reapply for a grant extension because it is unclear if the FEMA grant program will continue.
Officials said it will take $900,000 a year to keep the 22 firefighters on staff.