By Brian Meyer
The Buffalo News
BUFFALO, N.Y. — As officials gathered outside Fire Headquarters on Friday to show off new equipment, Mayor Byron W. Brown raised concerns that budget cuts approved by the Common Council could undermine ongoing efforts to update the fire fleet.
Brown and Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. stood on Court Street in front of three new fire trucks that were recently purchased at a cost of $1.7 million.
The new ladder truck will be used at Ladder 13 on Hertel Avenue near Elmwood Avenue. The two new pumpers will be assigned to Engine 4 on Abbott Road and Engine 25 on Southside Parkway.
The city has been taking a systematic approach to modernizing its fire equipment, buying apparatus on an annual basis.
On Thursday, the Common Council voted 8-0 to cut funding for fire equipment purchases in next year’s capital budget to $965,900. Brown had recommended earmarking nearly $1.5 million for fire apparatus. Brown said he’s “not happy” with the Council’s move.
“I think it’s important for us to continue to make investments in our firefighting equipment for the safety of our firefighters as well as the safety of our residents,” Brown said.
The mayor cannot veto deletions in the capital budget.
While Whitfield said dramatic improvements have been made in upgrading equipment in recent years, he said the Council’s budget reduction will have an impact in the future.
“The equipment that was recommended in that budget would adhere to a very strict replacement plan for apparatus going forward,” Whitfield said.
Council Majority Leader Richard A. Fontana said Thursday that lawmakers met with the fire commissioner and concluded that the funding cut would not have a major impact. Fontana said the city already has resources to buy seven new pumpers. Fontana added that no existing fire trucks are older than 2005 models.
The Council shifted nearly $1.9 million in Brown’s spending plan, earmarking the money for six improvement projects in neighborhoods throughout the city. Brown told reporters he is still reviewing the Council’s changes and has not decided whether he will veto any of the additions. The capital budget would allocate $22.4 million for capital projects in neighborhoods, and $4.9 million for reconstruction of some schools.
The amendment with the biggest price tag involves plans to build a recreation and education complex in South Buffalo. The Council wants to set aside $450,000 for the Nevilly Court project near South Park Avenue. It would include playing fields, a gymnasium, educational facility with classroom, library and performance space.
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