How to Cut Waste in the S.F. Fire DepartmentPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jun. 22‚ 2009An angry contingent of firefighters stormed City Hall last week, upset that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors would “cut $82 million” out of the Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments. That number, however, is misleading – because it’s what the Supervisors want to take out of a budget proposal for next year that gives all three agencies a raise. The real target for the Fire Department from current funding levels is $15 million. Which should not be hard to do, given that 64 firefighters in the top brass make more than $150,000 a year. The Firefighters Union will have to make concessions (like all other City workers have done), but Beyond Chron has identified at least $8.25 million in cuts to the Department that don’t require amending their contract. These target unnecessary spending, and many were recommended in prior City reports that Gavin Newsom ignored. Starting with these savings can encourage firefighters to support changes that will get us to $15 million – without jeopardizing public safety. |