Part-timers cut at Sycamore Township Fire Department

SYCAMORE TWP., Ohio - Upcoming budget cuts from the State of Ohio have prompted Sycamore Township’s leaders to cut the daily staffing at its two fire houses from 16 to 14 people.

Starting Jan. 1, two part-time positions per shift were eliminated to save an estimated $318,000 a year.  If the daily staffing falls below a minimum of 11 firefighters, additional personnel will be scheduled.

Township officials are adjusting budgets now ahead of the elimination of Ohio’s estate tax next year.  That could cost the township millions of dollars.

Sycamore Township Professional Firefighters Local 3907 President Kelby Thorseon said firefighters already agreed to a new 2012 contract without raises, but elected officials and other township employees received raises.

Thorseon added in a written statement that the union was never given the chance to work with the township to “mitigate any perceived financial difficulty.”

“Sycamore Township Fire Department will no longer be able to provide the same level of service that its citizens have grown to expect,” he wrote.

Sycamore Township Administrator Bruce Raabe hasn’t been reached for comment on the matter.