Binghamton fire officials are asking the city for more money and manpower in the 2014 budget.
The Binghamton budget talks for 2014 continued Wednesday at City Hall. Under the spotlight was the Binghamton Fire Department’s budget request. The fire department is asking for nearly $9.9 million in the 2014 budget. That’s up from the 2013 budget of nearly $9.7. Fire Chief Dan Thomas requested the funding for two additional firefighters. Currently, the budget funds 118 positions. City Council previously voted to cut funding to four positions, dropping the number from 122 to 118. Thomas said his game plan is always to keep his department fully staffed. The budget also calls for a new fire truck and ambulance. Thomas said operating an old truck is not cost effective. The discussion on whether to approve the new emergency vehicles was put on hold.
