The Newburgh City Council announced plans yesterday to slash paid firefighter positions to help reduce expected budget shortfalls.The proposal calls for laying off 12 paid firefighters and closing one of the town?s two firehouses.The firefighter's union proposed $950,000 in salary reductions and other concessions, but the council has said that it would not close the $1.1 million budget gap projected for next year.In a letter addressed today, members of the Vails Gate Fire Department said that volunteer manpower should not be used to subsidize the department.The budget for Newburgh is due in two weeks, and both sides say they hope to have an agreement by then. Newburgh fire department faces layoffs, house closure Newburgh budget reveals 41% property tax hike