(Helena, AL) WIAT- A dozen part time employees with the Helena Fire Department and several workers in other departments are all out of a job. City officials say a significant portion of Helena’s part time employee base has been cut out completely.
No full time employees were laid off, but twelve part time firefighters have been cut from Helena's city payroll, according to Deputy Chief Tim Carter of the Helena Police Department.
"This was basically their secondary job. Most of them had a primary job, a full time job at another department. It was just a situation where we had to make some cutbacks," said Deputy Chief Carter.
The cuts go beyond the fire department. Part time police officers and dispatchers also had their hours cut back.
"The city as a whole, we have cut back on some of the part time positions in like.. the street department, the water department, parks and recreation. That type thing. We’ve cut back on some hours on some of the full time people," said Deputy Chief Carter.
Certain library employees are reportedly also affected by the cuts.
Deputy Chief Carter says a tremendous decrease in tax revenue from business licenses and permits forced the mayor to make the tough decision after consulting with the city council. Some residents understand, but hate to see it happen.
"You work hard to become a fireman and these guys are real dedicated. Our city services are excellent and I know that that was something that had to be looked at real hard," said Helena resident Drew Turner.
"It's not taken lightly. We've just got an administration that has done everything they can to keep this from happening and it's just that time," said Deputy Chief Carter. "We haven't cut back on any of the full time positions as far as what most people would call the essential programs. Police and fire protection is the same as it's always been. If you call us we're going to be there. We've made sure that our response time is going to stay the same."
Fire Chief John Wilder echoed that sentiment. He hopes the layoffs are temporary, but Wilder says the department is accustomed to doing more with less.
