PULLMAN, WA – Staffing at the City of Pullman Fire Department is being cut according to the firefighters’ union.

A recent message posted on the union’s Facebook announced the cutbacks from the city on the department will begin March 16th. All part-time reserve City of Pullman Firefighters will have their hours eliminated until further notice.

The union message announces that the cutbacks will reduce City of Pullman Fire Department personnel on major incidents. The Pullman firefighters’ union says the reduction caused by the city’s budget crisis is not a reflection of the professionalism, performance, or value of the department’s part-time firefighters.

The union goes on to inform the public that they are committed to transparency and professional emergency response.

The City of Pullman’s public announcement of the cutbacks failed to mention any impacts on the fire department. The press release from city spokeswoman Meghan Ferrin last week stated that the budget cuts would affect casual, seasonal and part-time staff. The reductions announced by the city administration only mentioned impacts to parks and recreation and the library.

New City Administrator Sean Wells was quoted in the press release saying, “Mayor Benjamin and I are committed to reducing costs and balancing the city’s budget while doing everything we can to minimize long-term impacts and preserve both our staff and the core services we provide to the residents of Pullman.” The city press release ended by saying the administration is committed to transparency during this budget cutting process.

The City of Pullman is dealing with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. City council recently raised utility rates to make up for part of the budget deficit.