Lawrence EMT jobs back on chopping block

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) - 24 EMT jobs in the city of Lawrence are back on the chopping block.

A plan designed to save the jobs is falling apart.

Lawrence needs to come up with $2 million to balance its budget. The City Council looked into raising property taxes to cover the shortfall but recently discovered any tax increases would only affect lower income families.

The mayor doesn't like that.

"He really doesn't think it is fair to ask for a property tax increase from the majority of homeowners when he wouldn't have to pay. It doesn't sit right," says Lawrence City Spokesperson Keith Johnson.

City Council members are working on a new plan to save the 24 EMT jobs and cover the $2 million shortfall. They are scheduled for a full meeting on October 1st.

Failure to come up with a solution could lead to the firing of the EMT's.

"It's scary to think we wouldn't have people who are trained to help us in emergencies. I know in our neighborhood, we see ambulances come by frequently and people would need those services," said resident Debra Snively.

The city says if the EMT's are let go, the fire department would take over and handle all EMT duties.

"They can handle the job, they can do the job, they would do it well, and we wouldn't miss a beat in terms of any service or coverage. We would be running the same number of ambulances, providing the same fire protection. Service would be the same," said Johnson.