Auburn Lays off Fire Chief, 4 Others, amid Budget Woes

Auburn, Maine is looking for ways to cut costs has laid off its fire chief and fire department planner.

Auburn Fire Chief Frank Roma told the Lewiston Sun Journal that he and planner Sarah Hulbert both lost their jobs Friday.

City manager Howard Kroll sent out an email saying four employees were laid of Friday. Roma's position was not among the four listed, but Kroll said more four additional jobs have been targeted for elimination.

Kroll is scheduled to present his budget to city councilors Monday night.

Auburn's budget policy calls for the city to maintain about 12.5 percent of its annual expenditures in an unassigned fund. The present balance is almost $5 million — about $3.5 million less than it should be.

Roma has been chief since 2012. (AP)