By Mark Hicks
The Detroit News
PONTIAC, Mich. — Pontiac firefighters could soon join Waterford Township’s forces, still serving in the city, according to a tentative deal the city’s emergency manager and the fire union reached Thursday.
If the firefighters union approves the agreement next week, it will cost the cash-strapped city $6.2 million, saving some $3 million.
“We had to make a move,” said Louis Schimmel, the city’s emergency manager, of the Fire Department’s estimated $9.2 million budget. “We couldn’t afford that any longer.”
Schimmel, Pontiac’s third emergency manager since 2009, has been working to shrink a $12.5 million deficit so the city avoids becoming the first in state history to go bankrupt.
Among other cost-cutting moves in the city, Schimmel has contracted out legal services and is calling for revamping health insurance plans for employees and retirees. An emergency manager has greater powers under a sweeping state law signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
Under the plan, about 44 of Pontiac’s 57 firefighters would remain operating in the city, but within Waterford’s ranks, Schimmel said. The remaining 13 are eligible to retire. The number of Waterford firefighters was expected to stay at the same.
Schimmel said overall service would not be affected by the move, expected to take effect Feb. 1.
“The citizens of Pontiac are going to be taken care of very well,” he said.
Pontiac fire union officials couldn’t be reached.
Some firefighters initially were opposed to contracting with Waterford and this month picketed at township offices over the proposal.
Copyright 2011 The Detroit News
All Rights Reserved