Corning Braces For Budget Cuts

KHSL TV-12 (CBS, Redding)

April 28, 2010

You do not usually see a fire chief answering 9-1-1 calls, but that is the budget reality right now in Corning.
"Today is furlough day," explained Fire Chief Martin Spannaus from his spot at the dispatcher's chair. "We give our dispatchers 8 hours off to get a 10 percent salary reduction."
Last year dispatchers helped Corning Fire respond to more than 1,000 calls for service. When they are not on the phone the dispatchers fix up trucks and restock emergency supplies.
Already furloughed, the latest budget proposal could layoff all four of the city's dedicated fire dispatchers. If the layoffs are approved Chief Spannaus believes it will have a definite impact on the community.
"I just think that the overall support of the citizens will be effected," said Spannaus.   
Corning Mayor Gary Strack says cutting dispatchers is a last resort but that could be where the city is heading.
"Financially, this is the worst crisis I've seen in 40 years," said Strack. "And I think you'll hear most people say that it's going to change the way we run things for a while."
The City Manager, Chief of Police and City Planning Director have all agreed to become part-time employees, taking money from their retirement accounts to try fill the city's growing deficit.
The city is considering a parcel tax that could save those positions but that would require approval from voters.