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Leggett threatens 10 percent cut to MontCo fire department
By: Brian Hughes
Examiner Staff Writer
October 5, 2010


County Executive Ike Leggett said Tuesday about one in 10 county firefighters would lose his or her job if voters reject a new ambulance fee in November.

Under Leggett's plan, 107 fire and rescue positions, mostly emergency medical service jobs, would be eliminated out of a fire department staff of 1,077.

With just 20 of the positions vacant, 87 fire department workers would be handed pink slips.

Leggett released the planned cuts after Maryland's highest court ordered that a referendum on the county's ambulance fee be placed on the ballot. Without the fee, there would be a $13 million hole in the county's budget this fiscal year.

Montgomery's top elected official admitted Tuesday that the ambulance fee would likely be rejected, and public safety advocates sounded the alarm about the impact on emergency services.

"This would be absolutely devastating," said John Sparks, president of the county's firefighters union, upon learning of the cuts. "It would have an adverse effect anytime 911 is called. We're talking about everything from car accidents to drownings."

Ironically, volunteer firefighters pushed for the voter referendum because they said the fee would make county residents less safe -- they argued some would think twice before calling 911, fearful of being charged for the service. Now they are being punished for taking on the county executive, they argue.

"I'm just ashamed of Leggett," said Eric Bernard, executive director of the county's volunteer firefighters. This is nothing but retribution and I'm appalled."

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

County has to enforce the state's cigarette laws  --- that is what is called an "unfunded state mandate"