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Council deadlocks 3-3 on using CDBG funds for fire equipment; debate centers on housing priorities
Summary
Council considered an ordinance to reallocate CDBG funds for fire department equipment but did not pass the measure after a 3-3 tie. Members split over whether CDBG—intended for housing and neighborhood development—is an appropriate source.
The Binghamton City Council considered an ordinance (O25-45) on Aug. 27 that would have amended the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget to buy fire department equipment. After debate over whether CDBG dollars should be used for the equipment, the measure failed on a 3-3 tie.
Why it matters: Council members said more than $700,000 in CDBG funds remained unspent and argued the city must prioritize affordable housing and neighborhood projects before reallocating that money. Supporters said the request addressed urgent capital needs for turnout gear and medic replacement vehicles.
What supporters said Council member Kavanaugh moved to approve O25-45, arguing the funds could only be used for capital and that the transfer would put needed equipment in the fire department’s hands quickly. Dave Hollerin, representing the Binghamton Fire Department, spoke in support of the ordinance and said the equipment was “much needed.”
What opponents said Council member Raffnell and others said CDBG funds were not an appropriate source and that they had identified other mechanisms and upcoming budget options to meet the department’s needs. Several members criticized a pattern they described as the mayor using CDBG as a “slush fund” instead of prioritizing affordable housing projects.
Vote and outcome The roll call produced a 3-3 tie and the ordinance failed. The transcript records the following named votes where clear: Council member Kavanaugh: yes; Council President Dunton: yes; Council member Hotchkiss: nay; Council member Murray: no. The clerk announced the result as “3 3. Fails.”
What the record shows about funding Speakers said more than $700,000 in CDBG funds were currently unallocated. Council members who opposed the measure said CDBG money should be used for housing development and preservation rather than fire equipment, and urged using other local or grant funds to meet the department’s equipment needs.
Next steps No follow-up financing plan was adopted at the meeting. Council members said they would address fire department needs during the budget process or by identifying alternative funding sources.
