Fight brewing over $8 million grant that could fund Taylor fire department

TAYLOR, Mich. (WXYZ) - A bit of controversy is brewing in Taylor.

The city has an $8 million grant – but the mayor says the city can’t afford to accept it.

Taylor’s fire department is down 32 fire fighters in the past year. The department has taken a huge hit because of the city’s budget deficit.

Now comes word of a federal grant that could restore all of the positions that were eliminated.

The problem is – the $8 million grant only funds the city and the fire ranks for two years, then Taylor would have to take over. The mayor says the city won’t have the cash to keep the staff.

What that means is the mayor is going to pass on taking the grant. They mayor says laying off staff again could cost up to $40,000 per fire fighter.

The council took a symbolic vote on the grant Tuesday asking the mayor to take the money – but ultimately it’s his call on whether to accept or deny the grant.