Sapulpa Police Officers, Firefighters Notified Of Possible Layoffs

By Craig Day, The News On 6

SAPULPA, OK -- Mayors and town councils across Oklahoma are anxiously awaiting their latest sales tax numbers. Like Tulsa, they're facing difficult decisions and their own budget dilemmas.

That includes Sapulpa in Creek County, which notified firefighters and police there could be layoffs if the budget situation doesn't improve.

Like many Oklahoma towns, Sapulpa is experiencing a severe decline in sales tax revenue. Crunching numbers now seems just as tough as cracking down on crime and fighting fires.

"We've had bleak times, but never this bad," said Chief Kevin Lawson, Sapulpa Fire Department.

Fire Chief Kevin Lawson says this is the worst budget crisis he has seen in 26 years as a Sapulpa firefighter. Sales tax collections are down $167,000 from this time last year.

"Which is devastating to a city the size of Sapulpa," said Chief Rick Rumsey, Sapulpa.

This week, seven officers with the police department got a 30 day written notice, which is required by the FOP contract, that three or more officers could be laid off.

"That is the last thing I want to do, is have to let police officers go," said Chief Rick Rumsey.

Firefighters were also notified that three positions could be eliminated in that department.

"My goal is to affect nobody's pension, and keep four stations open. That's my goal. Somehow, we'll get there," said Chief Kevin Lawson.

2/2/2010 Related story: Some City Of Sapulpa Employees Receive Warning Of Possible Layoffs

The city will hold negotiations next week with the police and fire unions to try to come up with money saving ideas to avoid layoffs. 

Some of the options are furlough days and pay cuts.

Both chiefs are hopeful solutions can be found, and at some point the economy rebounds.

"Overall, the economy has got to improve. When you are solely sales tax funded, you're limited to whatever comes in," said Chief Kevin Lawson.

The latest sales tax numbers for Sapulpa are down $21,000 from January of last year. It's a little better than what the city expected. That doesn't sound like a lot when compared to Tulsa, but for a city its size, it's still a significant decline.