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FITCHBURG -- While City Councilors continue to call for money to avert two layoffs each in the police and fire departments, Mayor Lisa Wong said it's possible, but not likely, money can be found to save the jobs.
"This is something I will explore with the chiefs and see if it is possible," Wong said Wednesday.
Before approving the $98 million budget Tuesday night, councilors made $58,000 worth of additional cuts. Wong has the authority to appropriate that money, but she said she's in no rush to make a decision about where to spend it.
"I'd like to take my time and not rush to spend money so quickly," Wong said. "Because that is why we got ourselves into this situation; we are too quick to spend money and less quick to save money."
Wong said the city needs to take a long-term approach. Wong has said she wants any money freed up to be placed in the city's rainy-day account.
"In the long run we really need new revenue sources to provide the level of services that the public and council have indicated as priorities," Wong said.
Councilor at-large Stephan Hay said he would be disappointed if Wong is unable to find money in the budget for the positions.
"I spoke with the mayor about the possibility, and she said she would consider it," Hay said. "What the mayor does with the money we cut is up to the mayor." Hay said the additional cuts, as well as some Police Department money for overtime and holiday pay, should be used to save the positions. Hay said he thinks Wong understands the council's concerns but said the decision is hers on where the money is spent.

The Police Department is set to layoff six officers while the Fire Department is expected to cut 14 positions in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Ward 3 Councilor Joel Kaddy said he still hopes to get two officers back.
"I think there's a little wiggle room," Kaddy said.
Police Chief Robert DeMoura said there is no money in the Police Department budget to pay for the officers.
He said the police budget has already been reduced by close to $1 million.
"I was hoping they would find money in the overall budget," DeMoura said. "We don't have any money in line-items."
DeMoura said he can't predict exactly how much overtime pay would be needed.
Kaddy said he asked Superintendent Andre Ravenelle if the School Department budget could pay for the school resource officer that is set to be cut.
Ravenelle said Wednesday there's no money in the school budget for the position but said he would be looking into it.
Also from the mayor's news conference
n Representatives from the federal government spoke about medical subsidy programs for prescription drugs for low-income individuals and families.
If residents meet low-income requirements, the government can pay for up to 95 percent of the cost of drugs.
"There should be no one out there not getting drugs because they can't afford them," said Dr. Charlotte Yeh, regional administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Yeh said Worcester County has the 25th highest rate of citizens eligible for the program in the country. She estimated there are 600 people in Fitchburg that may qualify for the program.
For information people can call (800) 772-1213.
n Recreation Director Andy Roy spoke about all of the summer programs happening throughout the city.
For more information, visit www.FitchburgRecreation.com or call (97 345-9572. n Civic Days festivities kick off this weekend. For details, visit www.civicdays.com or call (97 345-9550.


http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/police/ci_9698277

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