Leggett Threatens 10 Percent Cuts to FireFighters

County Executive Isiah (Ike) Leggett said Tuesday that 10 percent of firefighters in Montgomery County would lose their jobs if voters do not pass the ambulance reimbursement fee in November. 

The cuts would mostly effect Emergency Medical Service jobs, 107 of which would be cut. As there are only 20 vacant positions in the fire department, 87 firefighters would be laid off. Leggett's plans come as a reaction to the Maryland court ruling that said the referendum on the ambulance reimbursement fee be included on the November ballot. 

Leggett admitted in the referendum would not likely pass. 

"We are disappointed that he [Leggett] has taken a scare tactic instead of finding other cuts," said Eric Bernard, executive director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association. 

Germantown Volunteer Fire Chief Joseph Chornock said if the cuts go through, the department will not be able to provide the same protection for the area. 

"I understand that changes will have to be made but if he's  going make all the cuts to the fire and rescue department, its not fair or appropriate," Chornock said. "We're already trying to do more with less, there has got to be other area to cut other than public safety."

The estimated revenue from the ambulance fee was originally included in the 2011 budget. The court's decision to put the issue to a vote has forced the council to reevaluate budgetary decisions. 

"Given our already tight budget, any further cuts will echo across the County. Our obligation is to maintain a balanced budget," said Council President Nancy Floreen in a statement. "If residents vote against the ambulance fee, they will be voting for $14 million in cuts to services."

If passed, the funds from the ambulance fee would go to support the county's overall budget. According to council president Nancy Floreen, no percentage of the proceeds has been specifically designated to support the Fire and Rescue departments. 

Leggett's memo to the county council details his reasoning that the option of increasing taxes, "would damage the county's competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses as well as further burden county households during these difficult economic times." Leggett's only other option listed was reducing the county's reserves, an option he said, "would jeopardize the county's AAA bond rating, weaken our credibility in financing markets and significantly increase the cost of borrowing and constrain the cost of our capital budget."

Under the referendum, county residents' insurance companies would be charged between  $300 and $800 for each ambulance ride. Taxes would cover the cost of uninsured residents. 

Of the $14 million in cuts, nearly $6 million would affect firefighters.