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The Syracuse Fire Department is requesting a nearly three-percent budget increase to address a significant rise in emergency calls. Last year, the department responded to over 26,000 calls, marking a 23-percent increase since 2021. The department aims to use the additional funds for staffing and equipment upgrades.
Mayor Sharon Owens has proposed a nearly $354 million budget, which includes increased spending on city services, workforce, and housing. This proposal, however, results in a $23.9 million deficit, which the city plans to cover with temporary state aid and a 2.4% increase in sales tax. Despite the challenges, property taxes will remain flat, and the school district's share of the tax levy will not change.
The Common Council is expected to vote on the new budget by Monday, May 8. However, Mayor Owens anticipates potential pushback from councilors, similar to last year's budget conflict with the administration of former Mayor Ben Walsh. Owens, who was deputy mayor at the time, acknowledges the likelihood of adjustments to the proposed budget.
The department's funding request comes at a time when other sectors, such as healthcare, are also facing staffing shortages and increased workloads. The Syracuse Fire Department's call for a budget increase reflects a broader trend of rising demands on public services.