Evanston aldermen signaled on Monday that they will not approve a proposal to eliminate nine firefighter positions and close and sell one of the city’s five fire stations in an effort to balance the 2019 budget.
However, aldermen did ask Evanston fire Chief Brian Scott to think long-term about how the department could reduce costs, as city coffers are not expected to increase significantly anytime soon. The fire department expenses make up 22 percent of the Evanston budget’s general fund, said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.
“I do not want to endanger the residents of Evanston,” Bobkiewicz said, but “I think it’s appropriate to look at options.”
Bobkiewicz proposed closing Fire Station 4, at 1817 Washington St. on the southwest side of town, blocks from the expanding Robert Crown Community Center.
Aldermen said closing a station was not an option they could green light.
“I just can’t support the cuts to the fire department. I can’t support the cuts to the police department either,” said 1st Ward Ald. Judy Fiske. “The community safety part of that is what we are here to provide to our residents. It’s what they rely on.”