DAPHNE, Ala. — A motion to suspend the rules to consider a $150,000 appropriation that would hire firefighters for Fire Station 1 failed without a second endorsement.

Councilwoman Cathy Barnette expressed disappointment, having learned that the fire station — on the corner of Sixth Street and Belrose Avenue — is unmanned.

“We are not providing an essential public service right now,” Barnette said during Tuesday’s city council meeting. “Right now I do not believe we are adequately protecting the residents of District 1 and District 2.

“I think this is an extremely important issue that needs to be addressed.”

However, question arose as to whether the city could hire firefighters for the station, which isn’t owned by the city.

“I don’t think the city can hire firemen since they don’t own it,” Daphne Fire Chief James White said.

Though the station lacks full-time firefighters, there is some emergency response.

“Volunteers have always responded from that station, just not twenty-four, seven,” White said.

What’s happening there now?

“It’s used for volunteer response and as a meeting hall,” White said.

Other council members agreed there’s a need to staff Fire Station 1, but said it should go through a certain protocol.

Council President Greg Burnam expected the matter first will go to the city’s public safety committee, in accord with White’s wishes.