MAUMEE, Ohio — The city of Maumee has come to an agreement with firefighter and paramedic unions after several of them were notified they'd be laid off soon.
The city has cited revenue taking a hit because of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday afternoon, a group of supporters for EMS, fire and police gathered to voice their concerns.
"I think it's drastically wrong. These people are caregivers and they care about the community. Or they wouldn't be doing what they're doing," said Patti Pearson, who attended the rally.
Pearson's son, Ryan Pearson, is one of the six paramedics the city of Maumee had decided to lay off in the next few weeks.
Ahead of a city council meeting, she joined the gathering organized by Elisabeth Crable.
"We want council to hear us. We want our voices to be heard. Every second matters when it comes to somebody's life. And with all the departments being connected, we need to save all of them. We need to save their positions," said Crable.
A letter sent to Pearson states the Covid-19 pandemic and loss of tax revenues as the reason behind the lay offs.
But some community members say the move will cause further consequences.
"With the eliminations, the response time is gonna be higher. Right now we're at a five-to-six-minute response time and that's gonna increase greatly," said Crable.
After Monday's meeting, city council member Scott Noonan said they were able to negotiate with the fire and paramedic unions.
They voted 5-to-2 to approve a 5-percent pay cut across 26 pay periods.
There will also be an elimination of the 1.5-step increase given every six months.
Two paramedics will still be laid off, but the city says it's working with the CARES Act to keep them onboard.
As the group awaits to hear what will happen next, they're hopeful their loved ones can somehow be able to keep their jobs.
"He wants to keep his job," said Pearson of her son, Ryan. "He loves Maumee. He loves the community. And he would love to stay in his position. I think it would break his heart if he'd have to not be in it," said Pearson.
It's still unclear which paramedics will be laid off if the city can not keep them employed.
You can watch all of city council's meeting here on their Facebook page.