Rumors of Morristown bankruptcy are false, but budget cuts coming

Rumors of Morristown bankruptcy are false, but budget cuts coming

By HANA KIM
6 News Reporter

MORRISTOWN (WATE) -- The small city of Morristown is facing a big challenge.

"At least $913,000," is how Interim City Administrator Lynn Wampler defines the challenge.

Morristown has a budget deficit that is forcing city leaders to take a hard look at possible cuts across the board.

Some citizens have said the deficit means Morristown is bankrupt. How true is that?

"That is far from the truth," said Wampler. "We are certainly in bad economic times, but making the decisions we are trying to make right now. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

Wampler has been on the job for only a month. He's already informed all the department heads that changes are coming.  

"In making cuts, it will have some effects on services," said Wampler. That includes essential services like public safety.

"Myself and my command staff will go into our budget and look at places we feel we can cut that won't impact officers, where we don't have to lay off officers," said Wampler.

The police department may not have to cut any of its employees, but there's a different story at the Morristown Fire Department. Three firefighters will have to be laid off.

That's just two of many departments feeling the squeeze.

The city council will have to approve the proposed cuts and changes before anything is final. Wampler hopes to have the changes implemented by December 1.