Resolution To Hire Part-Time Fire and Police Defeated Again

Several councilmen left last night's Common Council meeting in a sour mood after a resolution to consider hiring part time firemen and policemen was shot down.

In a 7 to 2 vote, the measure was defeated for the second year in a row. Only Frank Vescera and Jim Zecca were in support of the resolution.

Councilman Jim Zecca, who was angered by the result, says the measure would have been able to save the City of Utica money if employed correctly, but once again, was never given a chance.

The resolution would have implemented a pilot program to hire part-timers to fill vacation and injury leave, and work special events in Utica. They would not have received any of the health and other benefits afforded to the departments' full-time complements.