By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The City has been conducting a national search to fill the two top jobs in Police and Fire. But Mayor Byron Brown says no decisions have been made yet.
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The City has received resumes from those interested in becoming the next Police or Fire commissioner. Mayor Brown says he believes the search period for a new police commissioner could be closed out. But he is waiting for a resume count.
The Mayor admits there could be more outreach as the City attempts its national search for a new police and fire commissioner.
Brown released Police Commissioner McCarthy Gipson and Fire commissioner Michael Lombardo as he began his new term in office. He blamed both for failure to control rising police and fire overtime costs.
The Mayor says the City continues to look for abuses that drive overtime. It is also keeping a very close watch on police and fire fighters injured on duty. Brown warns they will take action if someone is caught taking advantage of the City. He would even file charges.
The Mayor has warned that if the City fails to get overtime costs in check he might be forced to issue some layoffs. The city is expected to face a $24 million deficit in the new fiscal year. Brown is due to release his budget proposal by May 1st.