City Budget Shortfall Forcing Closure of Fire Companies

As the Baltimore City budget process is underway, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake faces a $48 million budget shortfall, and has introduced plans to resolve the difficulties. Details of the proposed cuts include the recent announcement of fire companies proposed for permanent closure, as a cost-saving measure.

From WBAL-TV coverage:

When Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake presented her budget plan last month, she called for the closure of three fire companies but didn’t specify which ones. The fire chief revealed his plan to reporters on Thursday.

As budget cuts continued over the last three years, the Fire Department had implemented daily, rolling closures. Without the prospect of the city restoring the funding, Fire Chief James Clack is prepared to implement a plan that he said will stabilize coverage and boost response times.

Michael Sanderson

Executive Director Maryland Association of Counties

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