The Wilmington City Council Thursday night voted to cut more than 511,000 dollars in funds originally budgeted to the city’s fire department.
The money had been allocated to fill eight currently vacant positions.
The budget amendment passed 8 to 5 despite opposition from Mayor Dennis Williams’ and the union representing city firefighters.
The Council also sent the Williams administration an accompanying resolution asking the Mayor to eliminate the positions.
In a statement, Council President Theo Gregory said his colleagues ‘stood together to begin the process of implementing spending controls which will greatly help the city’s fiscal condition.’
Meanwhile, Wilmington Firefighters say the measure jeopardizes public safety.