STEVE AUSTIN
"It was the best of times and the worst of times". The opening line of the classic novel Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens aptly describes the curious dilemma that plagues the fire service across America. As the nation gears up for a protracted war on terrorism with the promise of large federal grants, almost uniformly state and many local governments are cutting fire department budgets.
The funding cuts for the nation's fire and ems communities come just as we need more not less money. What a strange situation on the heels of almost universal recognition by the public that the fire service is the first line of defense against terrorism here at home. The cuts aren't limited to just fire departments. State operated fire-training facilities and even Fire Marshal's Offices aren't immune from the budget cutter's knives. Domestic defenders should expect more not less funding when the country is on a wartime footing.
Granted the slight economic downturn has reduced state and local government income. For years we have been hearing about "rainy day funds" maintained governmental bodies for this kind of contingency. Where did that money go? And what happened to the rosy projections made just recently about a soft landing for the economy and a quick turn around? Economists can't even agree if we had a recession. In most places real estate and consumer spending are at a record levels. There is every indication that the financial system is rebounding.
If I were a political candidate who was looking to unseat an incumbent this fall, one of my issues would be to question any budget reduction that remotely relates to public safety.
Some of the cuts are being justified "as across the board" meaning every agency in the jurisdiction receives a percentage reduction. Careful examination of the fine print in the budget documents often reveals that certain "pet" programs are "exempt". As a rule fire related programs don't fall within that exception.
A major criticism of federal fire funding by fiscal conservatives in Washington is that funding fire departments and fire related programs are a state and local responsibility. Some argued, as recently as this budget cycle, that the states are attempting to pass their duty to fund fire programs to the federal government. A few predicted state and local funding would shrink as federal dollars began to flow. Unfortunately it appears these naysayers may be correct.
Speaking with fire chiefs, fire marshals and administrators across the country fire I'm told department budgets are taking hits everywhere. It isn't a healthy situation. One fire chief told me that he had submitted a comprehensive federal fire grant application only to be told if it were awarded, his city wouldn't pay their part of the match. With a 30% match that means the city is buying federal dollars for $.30 each. A finance director who passes up a deal like that needs to find another job.
It's another case of fire departments being treated with minimal respect when it comes to funding. The Strange Case of Shrinking State and Local Fire Service Funding can be solved. The solution is not replacing local funds with federal dollars, but with full funding of fire programs by those who have the primary responsibility, state and local governments. Federal dollars should supplement not supplant state and local funding.
