Firefight over cuts

VERNON — Some Vernon fire department members claim they were never made aware of cuts to their departments by the town until recently, Councilwoman Jean Murphy announced at a recent meeting.

Vernon Mayor Victor Marotta confirmed on Tuesday that his office never sent letters to the fire departments notifying them of cuts to their budgets, though he said he met with fire department members early in his administration about making cuts and that the reductions were discussed at public meetings.

The cuts were made retroactive to January as part of the budget approved by the Township Council in April.

The fire departments did not start receiving payments from the town this year until after the budget passed.

All four of the town's fire departments, as well as two ambulance companies, had their budgets shrunken by $5,000 each.

The council approved the budget by a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Dan Kadish and Councilwoman Jean Murphy opposing the budget. Council President Patrick Rizzuto, Councilman Brian Lynch and Councilman Dick Wetzel voted in favor of the budget.

According to Murphy, firefighters contacted her recently after being made aware of the cuts.

The departments affected are the Vernon, Highland Lakes, McAfee and Pochuck Valley fire departments; Vernon and Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

The amount Vernon paid to the fire departments went down from $35,000 to $30,000, according to both Marotta and Murphy. The budgets for the two ambulance companies were also each cut by $5,000.

Marotta met with the chiefs of the four fire departments, along with Lynch on Monday night at the Vernon firehouse.

"The issue was resolved," he said. "Did someone send them a letter that their rent was cut by $5,000? No."

Marotta accused Murphy of trying create a "political firestorm" over the issue. He said he was "blindsided" by the controversy.

The fire departments all own their buildings and receive funds from the town for operating expenses, which includes electric and heating. All of the fire departments and ambulance companies are comprised of volunteers.

Messages left with all four fire departments were not returned as of press time.

Marotta said most equipment the departments use is purchased by the town, separate from the operating expenses.

For example, since he has been in office, the town has purchased two fire trucks and funded the refurbishment of another, he said.

Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached at comm.reporter@strausnews.com or by calling 845-469-9000 ext. 359