City Hires Consultants to Review Fire Services

City politicians are still hoping to cut costs for fire service. Common council has approved hiring consultants, Risk Management Services, to conduct a baseline assessment of the fire protection needs in Saint John and options to reduce the cost. The fire department's budget is 20.3 million dollars--the highest in the province.

Council had originally asked the Fire Chief to conduct a comprehensive Review of Fire Service-- but-- Chief Rob Simonds says he and his staff don't have time for that, while carrying out their regular duties. The city will pay the consultants 40 thousand dollars for the review.