KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Seaside Firefighters Fight Against Layoffs

Seaside Firefighters Fight Against Layoffs

SEASIDE, Calif-  Dozens of firefighters showed up to put the City of Seaside on notice. They say any possible layoffs could put you in danger. Budget cuts have already been made to all seaside city departments, but now the city could potentially enforce layoffs. This has prompted the seaside firefighter association to come to tonight's city council meeting to address its concerns on what these possible cuts could mean for community safety.

Inside the council chambers, faces are lit with frustration. A group from the seaside firefighters association told council there's a better way to budget than making layoffs. The association says they refuse to be on the chopping block.

"I think that the city should first of all stop spending money on nonessential services, they should stop the fee wavers for the use of city facilities. Those are opportunities for the city to actually generate money," said Brian Lepai, Seaside Firefighter Association President.

City Manager Ray Corpuz says the City is facing a twenty-two million dollar deficit under its redevelopment program. As a result, they've taken very large reductions this year.

"We are taking strides and looking at our budget almost daily to see where it is on the revenue side, then also making sure were watching our expenditures," said Corpuz.

According to Brian Lepai, they've done everything they can to save money, and now they're worried because if the city decides to lays off fire fighters it could jeopardize safety. Lepai said the association hopes to educate the public and remind the city residents voted on Measure R.

"We're not agreeing to the way they handle business especially when it's going to effect public safety. The community agreed to the tax to increase public safety levels and now potentially that could be reduced," said Lepai.

Corpuz says it's a difficult time for the city and they are making sure basic services are met.

"We have to cut back on services and do everything we can to avoid layoffs," said Corpuz. He adds, all departments could see potential lay-offs. Those include the fire department, police department, public works and recreation. Corpuz said they are doing everything they can to prevent layoffs from happening