October 28, 2009

 

ITHACA --- A local fire department is taking a hit from the tough economy.
     The Ithaca Fire Department isn't hiring a fire chief for next year.
     Chief Brian Wilbur retired in August, after serving as chief for 16 years.
     Despite increases in labor contracts and pensions, the $9.8 million budget submitted to the city had a zero percent increase over last year.
     Deputy Fire Chief Tom Parsons says those expenses were absorbed by not hiring a new chief.
     Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Dorman will assume chief duties until the department gets enough money to hire a new one.
     The plan is to have a new fire chief in 2011.