16 New Firefighters, Regardless

My public safety levy post and Gregg's, have generated several interesting comments.

In a very recent conversation I had with Commissioner Jolley, regardless of whether the levy passes, the fire department will be able to keep their new manpower.

The story goes like this:

At the special meeting held January 28, the fire department came away with the impression that even if the levy would fail, they would be able to keep the new firefighters. I was at that meeting and did not get that impression. Neither did Mary. (Even after rereading the minutes of that meeting, I still don't).

I believe Mary indicated it was at an agenda setting meeting this month that a representative from the fire department said he was concerned about an article in the newspaper (I can't find it) that gave the impression that if the levy did not pass, the newly hired firefighters would have to be laid off. The mayor and one or two other commissioners assured this fellow that would not be the case.

So. As of right now, the majority of the City Commission is telling the fire department that regardless of what happens with the levy, the new firefighters will stay. Of course, where the money will come from if the levy doesn't pass, isn't being addressed.