Atlas Twp.- A budget shortfall in the City of Flint could impact the township fire department.
According to City of Flint officials, in an effort to reduce an estimated $8 million city budget deficit, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling announced the layoffs of 23 of 88 firefighters and 46 of the city’s 150 police officers. Flint is closing two of its five fire stations as part of the cost-cutting effort. Some fire department layoffs took effect March 25, as firefighters came off duty, while others were to take effect March 26.
However, according to news sources, fire chiefs from some of the small communities in Genesee County informed city hall there is already a problem with the City of Flint mutual aid agreements, because the city now lacks manpower and because their assistance could be a one-way arrangement when it comes to helping with big fires and other emergencies.
Fred Forys, township fire chief, said that he received notification from the City of Burton Fire Department explaining their firefighters will no longer respond to City of Flint fires. Since the layoffs more than a week ago, several suspicious fires have occurred in the City of Flint that are currently under investigation.
‘In years past, we have been called out to the City of Flint on mutual aid,? he said.
‘Especially on Devil’s Night, the night before Halloween when there are many fires’we’ve been right down on Saginaw Street. So it can happen that we go that far. However, it’s unlikely the township will be required to go way up to Flint. We are way down the line.?
Forys reported that the township fire department, which includes six trucks and 30 paid on-call firefighters has responded on mutual aid to Argentine Township located on the west side of Genesee County near the Shiawasee County line.
‘We could end up anywhere in the county,? he said. ‘The fire department that calls for mutual aid will ask for specifics’sometimes manpower or a tanker. Typically we’ll send six men and a truck.?
‘They are going through a hard time up there in Flint,? said Forys. ‘I don’t think their cuts will impact us too much. Right now we’ll continue to provide mutual aid when necessary.?
Township Supervisor Shirley Kautman-Jones said the current mutual aid situation will require board discussion.
‘The door swings both ways, but run a very tight ship,? she said. ‘Our fire department is a voter supported operation, I could see the situation impacting not only Atlas Township but also other fringe communities. Has Flint ever come to help us??