Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow is preparing to replace the city's fire department chief after a contentious year between the two that included battles over layoffs and overtime expenses.
Barlow said he has no ill will toward Oswego Fire Department Chief Jeff McCrobie, just the culture he's created. Barlow is referring to the chief's former policy of prioritizing senior firefighters when offering overtime shifts, which is pricier for taxpayers in the long run. The mayor issued an executive order earlier this year to end that practice.
"The chief reports directly to me and I need someone who is looking out for the city, the taxpayers, the mayor and looking out for the greater good, not just the firemen employed by the OFD," Barlow said.