Margate Residents Demand Fair Pay for Firefighters and Police Amid Salary Raises

The Margate City Commission meeting held on August 20, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding salary increases for city employees, particularly first responders, and adjustments to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funding.

During the meeting, resident Donna Fellows expressed strong concerns about the proposed 4% salary increase for non-bargaining employees, including the city manager, who currently earns $300,000. Fellows argued that this raise is unjustified given the sacrifices made by police officers and firefighters. She highlighted the risks these first responders take daily, urging the commission to prioritize their compensation over administrative raises.

Another resident, Nina Culver, echoed these sentiments, advocating for salary adjustments that would align with the pay scales of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO). She emphasized the importance of ensuring that Margate's first responders receive fair compensation comparable to their counterparts in neighboring areas.

City officials clarified that the proposed salary increase for non-bargaining employees does not directly affect police and fire personnel, as their salaries are subject to union negotiations. The commission noted that they are actively negotiating with the fire union and have set up an executive session to discuss potential increases.

In addition to salary discussions, the commission approved a resolution regarding the CRA, which involves adjusting the tax increment fund from 95% to 80% of statutory increment revenues. This change is attributed to the CRA's ongoing operations without contributions from the county, focusing on completing existing projects rather than initiating new ones.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the compensation of first responders while managing the city's financial resources effectively. The commission's next steps will involve further negotiations with the fire union and monitoring the impact of the CRA funding adjustments on community projects.