SALISBURY, Md.- Last month WBOC reported about a $1.4 million federal grant coming to Salisbury to fund 12 new firefighter positions. The grant was ready to go but at last Monday night's City Council meeting, it was rejected.
Council President Terry Cohen said the decision all boiled down to a "$400,000 error" and a failure to follow the appropriate steps called for by the federal government. Salisbury Acting Fire Chief Richard Hoppes, meanwhile, is expressing his disappointment and defending how the application process was handled.
The initial reaction was one of confusion for many in Salisbury.
"I don't understand what the problem is," remarked Carla Bailey.
"As somebody that's been in a car accident and had to wait for firefighters to get there, I really think that we needed the new firefighters," added Brandon Mullindaux.
"I just don't understand it at all," noted Franceline Taher. "Why?"
According to Cohen, the answer is simple.
"What's really important for people to understand is that the federal government required in this application that this be discussed with the governing body, before the application was submitted and that was not done," she explained. "All of these types of logistical issues and where are we going to get the money to pay for it, that could have been discussed and possibly worked out prior to submitting the application, just as it was done with the stimulus money for the police officers."
But Hoppes argues all the right steps were taken.
"I sought out the approval from my direct supervisor, which is the mayor and the city administrator," Hoppes said. "That approval was given and we applied based on that approval. I cannot speak to the decision to not put it before council."
Hoppes expressed his disappointment that his department will not be able to use the funds and add needed manpower, although he is staying optimistic.
"We'll continue to provide the very best in fire and emergency medical services care to the citizens of Salisbury, given the resources that we have," he said.
(Photo: WBOC)
