Written by Matthew James.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently faced backlash after granting substantial wage increases to city workers, only to later slash the fire department’s budget. Critics argue that this decision leaves residents vulnerable, especially as wildfires wreak havoc across the region.

The controversy started when Bass approved generous new contracts for city employees. These agreements offered raises of 20% to 25% over five years, a minimum wage hike to $25 per hour, and perks like cashing out unused sick leave at retirement—a rarity outside of government work. The total cost? A staggering $3.5 billion, with police union agreements adding another billion to the tab.

While city workers celebrated, the fire department took a hit. The mayor’s office cut nearly $20 million from fire services, leaving many to question whether public safety was sacrificed for political gain.

The Budget Crisis No One Saw Coming (Except Everyone Did)

When Bass entered office, her administration dismissed warnings about potential financial trouble. Deputy Mayor Zach Seidl confidently assured Angelenos that city services wouldn’t suffer. Fast forward a few months, and the results tell a different story. Firefighters are now battling unprecedented wildfires with fewer resources, while some areas face delayed response times.

Imagine this: You wake up to find smoke filling the sky near your home. You call 911, only to hear that the nearest fire crew is stretched thin because another station closed due to budget cuts. That’s the nightmare many L.A. residents fear—and it’s not far from reality.

What’s especially frustrating is that these fires weren’t entirely unpredictable. Wildfire season is as much a part of California’s identity as Hollywood. Cutting fire department funding in this context seems almost reckless.

A Glimpse into the Union Deals

Bass’s deals with city worker unions sound like a dream for employees but raise red flags for taxpayers. By boosting wages and benefits to unprecedented levels, she ensured labor peace—but at a steep cost.

For example:

• Minimum wages for city workers rose from $20 to $25 an hour.
• Employees can now cash in 100% of unused sick time at retirement, a perk rarely seen in private industry.

While these benefits might seem fair, they come with a hefty price tag. At a time when cities nationwide are tightening their belts, Los Angeles decided to splurge.

Wildfires and Budget Cuts Collide

Bass was halfway around the world in Ghana when wildfires started tearing through Los Angeles County. While she was overseas, firefighters back home were stretched thin, trying to contain blazes that have already consumed more than 39,000 acres. These fires aren’t just burning trees—they’re destroying homes and taking lives.

For firefighters on the front lines, the timing couldn’t be worse. Budget cuts have forced some departments to operate with fewer personnel, outdated equipment, and longer shifts. The result? A city unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude.

Take the case of a suburban neighborhood where crews had to choose between saving a school or nearby homes. With more resources, both might have been spared. Instead, tough decisions are being made daily—decisions that could’ve been avoided with better funding.

Our Take

This situation highlights a growing concern in modern governance: prioritizing political wins over public safety. While workers deserve fair wages, there’s a difference between sustainable agreements and deals that jeopardize essential services. Cutting fire department funding while approving extravagant contracts feels like a betrayal of trust—especially for a city as vulnerable to natural disasters as Los Angeles.

Wildfires are predictable. Budget crises from overspending are avoidable. What’s not acceptable is making decisions that leave residents to pay the ultimate price.