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Spano Says Yonkers Fire Union's Misspending 'Outrageous Abuse'

YONKERS, N.Y. - Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is demanding restitution from the city’s Firefighter’s Union following reports of a misappropriation of funds.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano spoke out against the alleged misappropriated funds by the city's fire union.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano spoke out against the alleged misappropriated funds by the city's fire union.

Photo Credit: Yonkers Government

The Journal News released a report this week claiming that the union has spent more than $10 million in taxpayer money over the past 50 years on things such as softball leagues, gym memberships and parties to celebrate the retirement of longtime members.

The misappropriated funds were reportedly stopped last year when New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli was conducting an audit of Yonkers’ fire insurance tax program, which includes a 2 percent levy on home insurance policies written by companies outside of the state.

Following the report, Spano spoke out against the spending, questioning why Yonkers continues to pay a 2 percent tax on insurance bills that is diverted to the union. Fire Union President Barry McGoey could not immediately be reached for comment late on Friday afternoon.

Spano reportedly believes that the 2 percent tax would be better spent by city officials, as opposed to the union.

“This is an outrageous abuse of the public’s money and the Fire Union President needs to be held responsible,” he stated. “A good start would be for New York State to demand restitution for the money the union has misspent.

“Why should the hard working people of Yonkers pay a 2 percent tax on their insurance bill so the firefighters union can throw parties?” 

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