Wilmington mayor's veto stands, firefighter positions saved

WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- It took less than five minutes.

With a 7 to 6 vote came applause from Wilmington firefighters after the City Council failed to override Mayor Dennis Williams' veto to cut 8 vacant firefighter positions, a savings of more than $500,000.

"I said I wouldn't cut public safety and I'm still not going to cut public safety and if it comes up again I guess we will be right back in the same place again," Mayor Williams said.

"The constituency and the City Council say they want cuts and we will do our best to make cuts," Council President Theo Gregory said.

Gregory had the majority a few weeks ago when the legislation passed, sparking anger from those who said public safety was at risk.

And Gregory thought he had the 9 votes to override the mayor's veto, but after some political moves and pressure from the firefighters' union, some council members apparently had a last minute change of heart.

"I'm frustrated because I'm disappointed that I was given people's words and they didn't do what they said they were going to do," Gregory said.

The city's $150-million budget was approved in May, but this month, council saw an opportunity to cut a little more from the fire department by eliminating the vacant positions.

Tuesday's vote was a surprise to Fire Chief Anthony Goode who says those positions are needed.

"We're doing business at the bare means necessary. It's bad, but we're doing it enough where we are getting the job done, but we don't want to be in any worse position," Goode said.

Resident Steven Washington says the city wouldn't have to choose between public safety and saving money if leaders worked harder to figure out a solution.

"Where we don't have to worry about cutting and we don't have to worry about safety, just make it even so they both can win," Washington said.

Both sides say they will work harder to see where cuts can be made which means the battle continues for the fire department.

The fire chief says he's already gearing up for the next budget battle.