After nearly two months of debate and a few heated exchanges, the Demorest City Council appears ready to vote on next year’s budget. The sticking point up until now has been over whether to allocate an additional $89,000 for the Demorest Fire Department. The money would be used to pay additional personnel to provide 24/7 fire protection for city residents. Currently the Demorest Fire Department is staffed 12 hours a day by part-time firefighters and volunteers.
The council has been divided over the issue due to some members’ concerns over a possible lack of funds.
The council voted last week to allow City Manager Juanita Crumley to review the proposed 2015 budget and find areas where money can be pulled to fully fund the Fire Department.
The Demorest City Council has called a meeting for Tuesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss and vote on the budget. The meeting will be held in the Demorest Municipal Building located at 125 Ivy Street.
