HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Huntington Mayor Steve Williams told the Huntington City Council Monday he has asked the police and fire departments for additional budget cuts as the city continues to explore ways to deal with its budget issues without laying off employees.
Williams said the city’s budget crisis is related to both departments outspending their budgets, rising health insurance costs and increasing pension payments.
The police department is $400,000 over budget, while the fire department is projected to have a $1.2 million deficit.
Williams said he does not want to see layoffs in either department, adding that progress has been made in talks with both.
Williams also said he does not want to increase fees to support the departments.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 6.