Chief says Chattanooga Fire Department facing funding challenges

In the second day of city budget hearings this morning, Chattanooga Fire Chief Wendell Rowe told officials that his department is trying to operate on stretched dollars, but it is getting tough.

“I am well aware of the need to operate on limited public dollars,” Chief Rowe said. “But now a time has come where innovation, maximizing resources and providing top services is being dangerously spread.”

The Chattanooga Fire Department has proposed a budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year of $27.6 million — which is no increase from the current fiscal year.

“I think to keep you to a zero budget is absurd,” said Councilwoman Carol Berz.

The Personnel Department and Parks and Recreation Department also presented their requested budgets this morning.

For complete coverage, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.