Politics & Government
No Firefighters to Be Laid Off in New Rochelle
A $1 million decrease in anticipated state health insurance costs allowed the city to restore positions in the 2012 proposed budget.
A decrease in the cost of state health insurance rates means six New Rochelle firefighter positions will not have to be cut in the 2012 budget.
City Manager Charles Strome III told City Council members at Tuesday's budget work session that the final insurance rates had been received, and they were $1 million lower than expected.
"This news brings a great relief to our city staff," he said, "and a small relief to our 2012 budget."
The proposed 16 percent increase in the 2012 budget will now actually be closer to 5.5 percent, Strome said.
Also restored were two community service officers and 18 school crossing guards.
Strome cautioned that the news was a "band aid" approach to otherwise grave challenges.
"Until such time that the economy recovers and the state relieves cities of mandated costs," he said, "budgetary pressures will continue to mount."
There will be a public hearing on the proposed budget at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at City Hall.
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