Firefighter incentive deal gets 18 takers

By David Skolnick

The city expects to save between $1.4 million and $1.6 million during the program’s first two years.

YOUNGSTOWN — The city needed at least 15 firefighters to accept a retirement/resignation incentive for the plan to be implemented. It got 18 to take the deal.

The proposal required those taking the incentive to notify the city in writing by Friday and to leave by Aug. 29. That separation date can be extended at the city’s discretion.

Of the 18 who accepted the plan, three want short time extensions because of issues with their pensions, said Fire Chief John J. O’Neill Jr. That shouldn’t be a problem, said O’Neill, who will discuss the extensions Monday with Mayor Jay Williams.

The city has to do final calculations, but expects to save between $1.4 million and $1.6 million during the first two years of the program.

Williams applauded the firefighters for their “attitude and approach” toward finding ways to save money for the city.

“They showed a high level of cooperation from the beginning,” he said. “They always do what’s best for the community.”

The buyout plan was offered as a way to help reduce a general fund deficit projected to be more than $3 million by the end of the year and about $6 million by Dec. 31, 2009, if cuts aren’t made.

City administrators have said about 50 jobs need to be cut, or the financial equivalent of $3.9 million in salary and benefits, to balance the budget by Aug. 1.

The fire department needed to cut its budget by $750,000 to avoid the loss of about 12 jobs there.

As part of the buyout, the city will replace the more experienced and higher-paid firefighters with those making $24,000 in annual base pay during their first year on the job.

Firefighters accepting the buyout will receive their annual base salary of about $58,000 spread out evenly amounts over five years.

“I hope everything works out with the buyouts and the hirings and that everything goes smoothly,” said Christopher M. Weaver, vice president and legislative director of the city’s firefighters union.

The city continues to discuss a similar buyout incentive with its police patrol officers union, Williams said.

skolnick@vindy.com