Fire department facing cuts that would keep them from some non-emergency calls

IRWIN, Pa. — The Irwin Volunteer Fire Department is at odds with the Borough Council over next year’s proposed budget cuts.

Justin Mochar, the department’s chief, tells Channel 11 council wants to cut their yearly budget from around $60,000 to approximately $44,000.

If the cut happens, the chief says firefighters won’t be able to respond to as many non-emergency calls, such as downed trees and flooded basements.

"That 60 covers our basic operating costs," Mochar said. "The fire equipment, the building utilities and stuff like that. Anything above and beyond like gear, classes for the firemen. Anything like that we have to put out of our own pocket."

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Mochar told Channel 11 they would have to be watchful of their fuel usage, maintenance and truck wear and tear to make up for the loss in budget.

"It makes me feel horrible to think that somebody might call for the fire department, emergency or non-emergency, and we might have to say we can't come. That's the cornerstone of what we do for our community," Mochar said.

Channel 11 contacted council and the mayor and did not receive a response.

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According to our news partners at TribLIVE.com, the council president said the department budget was around $44,000 and the borough pays for certain expenses like insurance.

The proposal has not been finalized yet.

The chief and the council are going to meet again to hopefully come up with some sort of agreement.