Council votes to end brownouts in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) -- After years of controversy, brownouts at Lexington fire stations are soon coming to an end.

Thursday night, the Urban County Council unanimously approved a proposal to get rid of the brownouts.

The city said the brownouts saved money, but firefighters say they put the public's safety at risk.

Under council member Jennifer Mossotti's proposal one million dollars will be used for overtime for Lexington firefighters, and two new firefighter classes will be added.

Mossotti said firefighters and city leaders worked together to find the money to end brownouts.

"I think you can't put a price on public safety," said Mossotti. "We do have additional funds put aside for projects and things and so when it comes to priorities, that's what you do. You prioritize."

We're told the measure that will end brownouts will take effect by early next month.

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