Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyFirefighters are there in times of need, heroes putting their lives on the line, but it's how the City of Goodyear is spending money on the outside of the fire house that's raising concern among some taxpayers.
While Goodyear is facing a $10 million deficit and talking about restricting overtime for firefighters and other emergency services, the city will spend $45,000 on a piece of artwork for Fire Station 185 near Pebble Creek Parkway and Indian School Road.
(Pictured to the left is an example of the work of commissioned artist Ken Williams.)
"We believe that you have to beautify public places everywhere in the community," City Manager John Fischbach said. "Public art is something very important to this community. It kind of takes the rough spots off the edges of life."
"$45,000 seems like an awful lot for a fire station that no one's really going to be touring," resident Andrew Tegarden said.
"I think a little artwork would make a nice thing," resident Lori Burr said. "With the economy, it might be a little something that might uplift a few hearts."
According to Fischbach, all that money comes from a city fund that's dedicated to art. The fund comprises up to one percent of the city budget.
"They (the City Council) could have swept these funds into other purposes, so you know, yes it could have been done, but the council debated it and they decided not to," Fischbach said.
The art budget for next year is currently being reviewed.
