When the public comments segment of the Aug. 5 Hackensack City Council meeting began, it did not take long for resident Frances Treanor to get right to the point.

"The decision to eliminate the Hackensack EMTs properly belongs in the hands of the people," she said. Treanor was referring to a controversy that has vexed the city for months regarding the fate of the eight EMTs who work under Hackensack Fire Department (HFD) command. "This decision should be put in the form of a referendum."

Budget outline underscores city’s concerns

As part of the budget amendment public hearing that followed the July 29 announcement of the city’s close to $79.6 million 2008 annual spending plan, City Manager Stephen Lo Iacono presented the budget with an eye toward the tough financial times facing all of New Jersey’s municipalities.

"The budget process here contains good news and bad news," said Lo Iacono, noting that the primary challenge in composing the budget has been the state-mandated 3.5 percent appropriations cap, along with the 4 percent property tax levy cap. The budget includes provisions for a relatively low 4 percent tax increase, with the average Hackensack homeowner to pay $3,210 in municipal taxes, up $132 from last year. "We have to live within the cap. We were able to get under the cap. It was obviously painful, and we are operating under a very, very tight budget."

Lo Iacono also stated that Hackensack lost $564,000 in revenue due to state aid cuts. City officials have repeatedly stated that the expected transfer of daytime emergency services to HUMC control will save Hackensack $600,000 a year.

Consequences of cuts

However, resident Roslyn Altman wondered if the short-term gains made by laying off the eight EMTs could lead to something ultimately more painful.

"I’ve seen very competent EMTs come into my high-rise building and get people out to the hospital. They’ve done a great job. I’m concerned that we’re losing some very competent people, and their families and kids are going to be affected," she said.

Altman pressed further, asking if the eight EMTs on the verge of being let go were given an offer by the city to retrain for other positions, or if they could be hired by HUMC as part of the arrangement with the city. Lo Iacono noted that as part of the negotiations with the hospital, the EMTs would have an opportunity to be hired by HUMC. Lo Iacono also said that the Hackensack EMTs would also have the chance to apply to a new EMS service set up by Bergen County designed to back up volunteer ambulance services around the county.

But Mark Molinares, one of the eight EMTs who received a layoff notice, countered Lo Iacono’s comment.

"Every story has three sides: the hospital’s story, the city’s story and the truth," he said. "Let’s hear the truth."

For EMT supporter Jennifer Bonadio, the search for the truth and a solution to the EMT issue has been frustrating.

"These guys know their job," she said. "I don’t understand why there is no way to find an alternative to this. We don’t want this."

Longtime resident Ernest Keahey offered one direct alternative that could potentially result in the EMTs keeping their jobs.

"Raise my taxes," he said. "I’ve been paying them here since 1956. I want good services, and I want people who know me and who know our residents. This ambulance service in the best. If you give me the books, I’ll find you your $600,000."