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Home > Blogs > Hamilton News and Issues > Archives > 2008 > July > 10 > Entry
Firefighter blasts council
Steve Timmer, a captain in the Hamilton Fire Department, vocally criticized council for over-reacting to the Decosimo report and jumping too soon to make cuts.
“I don’t fully believe the Decosimo report is as valid a report as you give it credit,” he said.
Timmer backed up his claim by citing a financial forecast from 2002 that said in 2007 the city of Hamilton’s general fund would be $7 million in deficit. In 2007, the city had a $4 million surplus in the general fund. Timmer said that means the report was off by $11 million dollars and the Decosimo report could be too. He also read several, if not all, of the disclaimers in the report.
“You basically paid $50,000 for a financial department report,” he said.
Timmer isn’t just a fireman though, he’s also active in the community and the image chairman for the Vision 2020 Commission. Still, he scolded council for considering cutting police and fire departments. He said just a few years ago voters overwhelmingly approved levies to increase service to both departments. A cut now would keep residents paying the tax levy, but not getting the services for which they voted.
He also said that the city’s option of taking a fire station out of service was a “load of bull” and should be removed from their discussion menu completely.
“Engine companies are strategically placed around the city to get there while it makes a difference,” he said.
The audience, which was about 30 people including a few firefighters, gave Timmer a round of applause.
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