OAK ISLAND – Town leaders in Oak Island have been searching for ways to cut back in their budgets.
In an effort to fill a budget deficit by town council, Fire Chief Craig Forlines sent out a memo telling his firefighters they aren’t allowed to leave the firehouse during their shift unless it’s for emergency calls.
Employees have been instructed to travel and move the trucks only for fire calls, fueling and training.
Firefighters say they are getting the short end of the stick. They claim these cuts have the potential to hurt the economy because they contribute to thousands of dollars to local businesses each year.
Business owners in Oak Island are expected to receive a letter later this week from some firefighters informing them of the changes and hope to fuel the fire in their fight against the budget cuts.
Town council members say this move is just one of the ways to fill the nearly $4 million budget deficit they’re currently facing.
With rising diesel costs and no end in sight to a struggling economy, town council member Danny Kiser said the public sector should not feel like they are the exception when most Americans have had to come back in some way.
Town Council said the budget is what it is and they have to keep up with the current economic times – even if it means limiting the men and women who help protect our homes and lives.
One firefighter compared the situation to being locked away in jail. He said he feels like a criminal because he’s not allowed to leave the firehouse anymore, even if it’s to get a bite to eat during his 24-hour shift.
Some say the restrictions are bringing employee morale down and are calling out sick more often.
Forlines declined to comment on the cuts.