By Kevin Pearson
The Press Enterprise
HEMET, Calif. — Six Hemet firefighters were issued layoff notices late Thursday, Sept. 13, as the city and the fire union face a looming deadline that may result in the first layoffs in the 103-year history of the department.
That figure is down from the original nine layoff notices issued in June. Interim City Manager Mark Orme said the onus is now on the Hemet Firefighters Association to find a way to make enough concessions to bring a reasonable counter-offer back to the table.
“One of the most devastating things we have to go through is layoffs,” Orme said. “It’s not an easy thing to do at all.”
He said while he hopes another solution can be found, the city had to proceed with layoff notices to keep a balanced budget.
Union President Steve Sandefer said Friday that firefighters would vote next week but he too hoped a last-minute effort could save jobs.
“We have never had to lay anyone off, and it would be heartbreaking to see that happen,” Sandefer said.
A 2009 federal grant that funded nine firefighters’ positions is set to expire next week. The Fire Department and the city have been working for months to retain those firefighters and avoid layoffs.
City officials had indicated earlier this year that if the department could come to within about $200,000 of closing its budget gap, the city would be inclined to pick up the difference. The union submitted a proposal last month that reached that figure, but Sandefer said contractual issues may be holding up a finalized deal to save jobs.
Should the layoffs go through, they would take place at the end of the month. They would reduce the department from 46 firefighters to 40, not including the chief.
When the department was faced with nine layoffs, officials said a fire station might have to be closed. With the number being reduced to six, and other changes made in how resources are allocated, Sandefer said a station wouldn’t have to close but response times would likely increase.
“We don’t want the residents to be collateral damage while the firefighters and city fight it out,” he said.
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