KCTV 5City proposing to cut more than 100 firefighters from force

Firefighters packed City Hall on Wednesday to protest plans to eliminate Kansas City Fire Department firefighter positions.

The council's public safety committee discussed City Manager Troy Schulte's proposed budget Wednesday. Schulte has recommended the council cut 100 firefighter positions.

And Schulte believes the cut to the department can be done without imposing a risk to public safety. He says the cuts would save the city $7.6 million.

Schulte says fire calls have dropped more than 60 percent in the last 10 years. But the firefighters union calls that "fuzzy math."

Schulte's proposal calls for the buyouts of 105 firefighters. This would take the number of crew members sent out on calls down from four to three.

Fire Chief Smokey Dyer says that would put Kansas City below national standards and put firefighters in dangerous conditions.

Councilman John Sharp said Schulte's proposal would make firefighters' working conditions even more dangerous.

"I think it is the worst way to get those savings," he said.

Union president Michael Cambiano said Schulte didn't consult Dyer or other experts.

"This says to me they don't know the whole picture or understand how the system is designed," he said.

In just the last year, firefighters saw an increase in their pay, something they had been waiting for.

Mayor Sly James will outline his budget proposal Thursday. The firefighters union backed his election earlier this year.

The council will adopt a budget by the end of March.

Councilman Michael Brooks said the city faces tough budget decisions.

"Certainly everyone is concerned about public safety," he said. "The reality is we have a tough budget we have to deal with. If not fire, where will it come from?"

The council chambers was overflowing with firefighters Wednesday morning.

To see Schulte's budget recommendations, click here.

Click here to see more budget details.

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