Findlay Fire Fighters Jobs and Firehouse Saved

November 6, 2009 – Eighteen fire fighter jobs and a fire station are off the chopping block after Findlay, OH Local 381 fire fighters successfully campaigned to pass a .25 percent income tax increase.

“The whole community really came together on this one,” says Local 381 President Matt Cooper. “Nearly 100 percent of our members participated in the campaign.”

Police officers, who had been in danger of layoffs before receiving a federal grant award, also went door-to-door, campaigning for Local 381. “In the end, voters decided they wanted to protect public safety even in the down economy,” says Cooper.

In April 2009, the City of Findlay notified fire fighters that 11 fire fighters would be laid off. Understanding that money was tight, Local 381 fire fighters agreed to significant concessions, including wage and benefit cuts. Other City employees followed suit.

In August, the City told fire fighters that the concessions were not enough to make up for the financial shortfall. Eighteen fire fighters and a fire station were set to be cut October 1.

“Such a sharp reduction in public safety resources was not acceptable,” says Cooper. “We were able to negotiate with the City to wait until after the election to see if voters would support a small income tax increase.”

The fire fighters launched a grassroots campaign, including door-to-door literature drops, mailers, signs and community events.

On Election Day, 55 percent of the voters cast their ballots in favor of the income tax levy, preventing the fire fighter layoffs and station closure, and passed two additional levies – a sales tax and school levy.

“I think this really speaks to the character of our community,” says Cooper. “Despite the fact that unemployment rates are up and the economy continues to look bleak, our citizens decided that public safety and other community resources were too important to lose.”

The fire department had already lost eight positions through attrition. Without the passage of the levy, the Findlay fire service personnel would have been reduced 36 percent. “The effect would have been devastating,” remarks Cooper.