New Bedford Faces Fire Station 'Brown Out' After $300K Budget Cut

New Bedford Considers “Browning Out” Fire Stations Amid Budget Cuts

New Bedford is facing a difficult decision as it considers implementing “browning out” of fire stations due to significant budget cuts. This move comes in response to financial constraints that have been exacerbated by recent reductions in the city’s overall budget. Mayor Jonathan Mitchell announced the potential measure in a press release on July 10, citing the need for austerity measures following the approval of budget cuts by the New Bedford City Council.

The city's fire department has seen its proposed budget reduced by approximately $300,000, which was part of a broader set of cuts that impacted several areas of the city's operations. According to New Bedford Public Information Officer Jon Darling, the reductions included $300,000 from the overtime budget, $10,333 from mandatory testing of breathing air cylinders, and $5,031 from replacement radio batteries, totaling $315,364 in cuts.

This situation has come at a sensitive time, especially after a tragic fire in neighboring Fall River that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured 30 others. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of staffing levels in local fire departments, with reports indicating that many Massachusetts fire departments do not meet national staffing standards. Only a few communities, including Boston, Brookline, and New Bedford, consistently meet the standard of four personnel per engine.

Understanding “Browning Out”

“Browning out” refers to the temporary removal of a fire company from service during a specific shift. According to Darling, this measure is intended to generate budgetary savings by reducing overtime costs rather than eliminating positions. New Bedford has six active fire stations, each staffed by nine companies with four personnel and two district chiefs operating 24 hours a day.

Mitchell initially proposed a $22.9 million budget for the fire department, which represented a 2.4% increase from the previous fiscal year. However, the city council made significant reductions, leading to the current debate over how to manage the department’s finances effectively.

A Conservative Fiscal Approach

In May, Mitchell outlined a conservative fiscal approach for the 2026 fiscal year, citing challenges such as state aid limitations, inflation, and global uncertainties. He emphasized the need for careful budgeting, a strategy that has been used in previous years. The city council later submitted budget cuts, which were revealed during a public event known as “cut night,” where around 1,300 proposed cuts were presented.

After an extended session lasting nearly seven hours, the council voted on 448 budget cuts, resulting in a reduction of the city’s proposed budget by $10.2 million. Mitchell has repeatedly expressed concerns about these cuts, stating that they often target essential services and areas the city is legally required to support.

Additional Austerity Measures

In addition to considering brownouts, Mitchell has announced other austerity measures, including a hiring freeze for non-public safety agencies during the first quarter and a reduction in grass cutting and landscaping at city parks. These steps are aimed at managing the city’s finances while maintaining critical services.

Reactions and Concerns

City Council President Shane Burgo criticized Mitchell’s proposals, accusing the mayor of being hostile toward the fire department. He argued that the measures reflect a lack of leadership and a focus on political maneuvering rather than effective governance.

Other cities, such as Oakland, California, have faced similar challenges. Oakland temporarily closed two fire stations due to budget cuts, which led to public outcry and protests. The closures also resulted in longer response times for emergencies, highlighting the potential risks associated with such decisions.

Ongoing Discussions

Despite the concerns, Darling emphasized that brownouts are still a potential option and that there are no immediate plans or further discussions on the matter at this point in the fiscal year. The city continues to navigate the complex landscape of budget management while striving to maintain essential services for its residents.

As New Bedford moves forward, the balance between fiscal responsibility and public safety remains a critical issue, with ongoing discussions likely to shape the city’s future decisions.