HAMILTON — City Council's decision this week to close one of the six fire stations because of a budget shortfall means it will take firefighters longer to re spond to emergencies, said Fire Chief Lyle Moore.

        City Council's 5-2 vote not to fill three vacancies in the fire department means one fire station will have to close.

        “I just feel like we're paying a big price in service to the citizens to save these few jobs,” Chief Moore said about the two firefighter and one paramedic coordinator positions. “Reducing one engine house is reducing your fire protection by 18 percent ...

        “We'll provide the best level of service we can with the tools we have, but I do think the citizens will notice the difference,” he said.

        Council members Richard Holzberger and George McNally voted not to close a fire station.

        “I've got citizens calling me right now raising Cain” about possibly shutting down one of the four fire stations on the east side, Mr. Holz berger said.

        Mr. Holzberger said city officials are expecting about 40 vacancies in both the police and fire departments throughout 2001. Council has also decided not to fill these positions, as well as others funded out of the general fund.

        Mayor Adolf Olivas said acting now may avert layoffs in the future.

        “We are being forced to retrench because of the de clining revenues and increasing expenditures. We will actually save people's jobs,” the mayor said.

        The elimination of a fire station and other cuts is the result of a projected $1.5 million shortfall for 2001. It's largely the result of the decrease in payroll and other taxes because of the loss of jobs at Ohio Casualty Group this year, and International Paper's announcement that it would close its Knights bridge complex.

        Chief Moore said he will meet with his staff and fire union representatives to discuss which fire station should be shut.

        “There has been some talk on it being the Shuler Avenue station,” said Chief Moore. “But there's pros and cons on any station you mention.”

        The chief, who has been on the fire department since 1973, said a station has never closed during his tenure.

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