Anderson budget vote delayed until Monday

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - An 11th hour decision postponed a controversial vote Tuesday night in Anderson.

Council members will now vote on Monday whether to cut seven police officers and 20 firefighters. It was standing room only in the Anderson City Council chambers. What was supposed to be a budget meeting Tuesday, quickly turned to an adjourned meeting.

A surprise to Levi Cox who is one of 20 Anderson Firefighters who could be laid off.

"I never thought that anything like this would ever happen," he said.

But, councilors sent city departments back to the table to help keep his job.

"These staffing reductions affect several departments throughout the city. Continuing to staff and operate our city with the previously reported decline in income is just not possible," said a Anderson city employee.

Councilors suggested cutting 138-thousand dollars from the Police Dept. Nearly 678-thousand from the fire department and 325- thousand from the Park's and Motor Vehicle Departments. They said these cuts are necessary and will help erase a one point five million dollar deficit.

"Working for the city has been good and for them to come back. You know I know we are in financial trouble. We're trying to work with the city so we don't have to lay anybody off," Cox said.

But attempts to mediate differences have failed. The firefighters union president is understandably disappointed.

"We would like to sit down with the city and work out a solution that keeps our members safe and keeps the public safe while still recognizing the need to get a balanced budget for the city," said Jon Smith, President, Anderson Firefighters Local.

All Cox wants to do is fight fires it's literally in his blood.

"Everybody thinks a fire department job, you're going to have a steady job with a pension for the rest of your life and to have five years on and now be fighting for my job is kind of hard," said Cox.

The potential layoffs has created a lot of tension in the city between residents and council members. People protested outside the Anderson City building before Tuesday's meeting.

Councilors will meet again to revisit the issue on Monday at 5pm.