Louisville city budget includes money for new firehouse, fire union says it's not enough

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A new Louisville city budget expected to be approved by Metro Council on Thursday sets aside millions of dollars for fire protection, including plans for a new firehouse and equipment upgrades. But the firefighters union said the funding doesn’t go far enough — and warns that the department is being asked to do more with less.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg touted the budget’s $3.8 million allocation to build a new fire station in the south end, a facility he said is long overdue.

"We are doing something we have not done in 15 years in Louisville, and that is build a new firehouse," Greenberg said during an interview on WDRB Tuesday. "The current one is outdated, antiquated — it couldn’t even accommodate female firefighters."

But the president of the firefighters union, Jeff Taylor, said the city’s financial commitment isn’t enough to break ground this year.

"$3 million will not build a firehouse," Taylor said. "The public needs to be aware of that. There will be no groundbreaking this year for a new firehouse."

The mayor’s office said an additional $3 million is planned for the following fiscal year to fully fund the project.

In addition to the new firehouse, the proposed city budget includes $800,000 for capital repairs and maintenance, the same amount as last year, despite what union officials call a long list of overdue repairs.

WDRB has previously shown images from inside some of Louisville’s oldest fire stations — peeling paint, faulty plumbing, and signs of serious wear and tear. While some repairs have been made, Taylor said many issues remain unresolved.

"He is not giving one dollar more in capital repair maintenance," Taylor said. "We are well aware of the needs."

The total proposed fire department budget for the next year is just more than $83 million, which covers salaries, benefits, and retirement. That’s down from the current $86.9 million budget, and the department is being asked to eliminate two staff positions.

"It’s the way we perceive it — we’re just under constant attack," Taylor said. "As much lip service as we get about how much we’re appreciated — as the old saying goes, the money is the mouth, and the money and mouth aren't lined up."

Metro Council is expected to vote on the city budget Thursday evening.

Previous Coverage:

Louisville mayor says his $1 billion budget will invest more in public safety

Louisville police budget request increases by $25 million amid officer shortage

Greenberg unveils $1.2 billion Louisville budget proposal

Louisville investing $6 million in Fire Department repairs, equipment but more is needed