Sacramento city departments directed to make cuts amid $62 million budget deficit
SACRAMENTO — Every Sacramento city department is now being asked to submit 15% cuts to help slash a $62-million budget deficit.
This directive comes as the city's fire department is already browning out some engines because of short staffing. With the Sacramento City Fire Department's budget at $156 million, a cut of 15% would equal a loss of $23 million.
"That would probably mean at any one time, it could be four, five, six stations that are browned out," Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said. "And when you have that, then it's longer times for calls of service."
Kaplan is opposed to cuts for the fire department, which she describes as already facing financial shortfalls.
Last year, the city approved a $750,000 transfer from its general fund to the fire department to cover a shortfall due to rising costs for all fire vehicles.
"We've got old fire trucks that, because we don't have enough fire stations and because we've grown as a city, but we haven't grown the amount of fire stations proportionately. Our fire trucks and equipment are getting more use and wearing out faster than normal," Kaplan said.
As city cuts loom, Kaplan said that she is considering asking voters to approve a new tax just for the fire department funds.
"We need in the city a ballot initiative so that we can upgrade our equipment," Kaplan said.
Regarding Kaplan's new tax proposal, she said it's only an idea for now. The city will need to approve a balanced budget by June 30.