Facing a potential $1.5 million budget deficit, Signal Mountain officials are considering cuts to the town’s Fire Department.
The department has more funding and staff than any other of a similar population size in the area, according to data shared at a Monday night Town Council meeting.
Before next year’s budget is finalized in June, department heads have been asked to make cuts, Councilman Andrew Gardner said at Monday’s meeting. High rates of inflation, increased pay for town staff and catching up on investments and infrastructure have all contributed to the deficit, Gardner said.
On Friday, the town’s fire chief gave notice he plans to retire at the end of the month, and its parks director also resigned the same day.
Around 90 people packed the meeting room Monday, many there to speak in support of the Fire Department.