LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Fire Department is in urgent need of $34 million to repair deteriorating firehouses and replace aging equipment, including fire trucks. Despite the city having a surplus in its budget, the allocation of funds is certain to spark a debate among Metro Council members.
Images from local firehouses reveal the severity of the situation—peeling paint, crumbling ceilings, and bathrooms in poor condition. Rusted fire trucks are common, and during a recent massive fire on Broadway, one of the city's largest trucks broke down, underscoring the need for immediate investment.
Two weeks ago, Mayor Craig Greenberg proposed allocating $6 million from the budget surplus to the fire department to purchase new trucks and make essential repairs. However, the decision rests with Metro Council, where the mayor needs 14 votes for approval.
IMAGES | Louisville Fire shows firehouses in disrepair to Metro Council to highlight need for funding
The Louisville Fire Department has sent more than 150 photos to Metro Council, offering a firsthand look at the severity of the issues plaguing the city's firehouses. (All photos courtesy of Jeff Taylor/Louisville Professional Firefighters Local 54 union)
In an effort to emphasize the urgency, the firefighters’ union sent a letter to every council member, attaching 150 photos showcasing the dire state of the department’s facilities and equipment. Jeff Taylor, the union president, stressed the importance of addressing the issue now.
“We just want to make sure [councilmembers] understand the complexity of this, how deep it goes, and how we can't afford to kick it down the road any further,” Taylor said.
Council members weigh priorities
Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins acknowledged receiving the letter and viewing the photos but noted that the council has yet to have an in-depth discussion about the proposal.
“This city has a lot of needs, and that is just one of them,” Hawkins said. “Does that mean that it’s at the bottom of the list, Absolutely not. Does that mean it’s in the middle of the list, it doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t at the top of the list.”
What’s next?
The budget committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, Dec. 5 and firefighters are expected to attend in hopes of pushing their cause forward. If the committee approves the $6 million allocation, the full council will have the final say.
However, Councilwoman Hawkins said, “I wouldn’t make any promises.”
As Metro Council considers how to allocate its surplus funds, the fire department remains in limbo, waiting to see if its urgent needs will be addressed or deferred once again.
Previous Coverage:
- Louisville Fire department highlights urgent need for millions in repairs, equipment
- Mayor asking Metro Council to send surplus budget money to Louisville Fire Department
- Louisville Fire Department seeks budget surplus to repair deteriorating firehouses, equipment
- Council committee approves 5-year contract for Louisville firefighters
- Louisville firefighters say city is doing little to fix conditions at older firehouses
- Louisville firefighters approve city's 5-year contract after rejecting it in May
- Louisville Fire officials say department needs $31 million to catch up on deferred maintenance
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
