Hendersonville residents and firefighters press BOMA to restore pay parity after police raises

Dozens of current and former Hendersonville firefighters and residents told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on April 22 that recent pay increases for the police department have left the fire department behind, increasing resignations and harming morale.

The speakers described recruitment and retention problems and large pay gaps when compared with neighboring departments. Kimberly Overton, a registered nurse and Hendersonville resident, told the board: "I support the proposed salary increase for the Hendersonville Police Department. They deserve competitive pay... but so do our firefighters and they are being left behind." Colton Young, speaking for the Hendersonville Firefighters Association, warned: "Retaliation has no place in professional government, not in policy, not in politics, and certainly not in public safety." Former and current firefighters gave personal accounts of colleagues leaving for higher pay and of on‑the‑job risks.

Why it matters: Speakers said the departures reduce experience on the fire line and increase operational strain. Multiple commenters cited numerical gaps and local hiring offers as evidence of a market problem: Kimberly Overton said Wilson County EMS starts paramedics at $77,000 while she said Hendersonville starts paramedics at about $58,000; others described newly hired firefighters and promoted seniors earning materially less than similarly tenured police officers.

The board’s response and next steps: Mayor Jamie Clary acknowledged the comments and said, "I'm truly sorry. I want peace. We all want peace and I will work harder and more deliberately for peace." Members of the finance and public works committees said they are reviewing budget options and will bring recommendations during the FY2026 budget process. Alderman Collins directed staff to develop a policy for use fees at City Hall (an unrelated item on the evening's agenda) and suggested staff produce a recommendation on compensation options in coming months.

What speakers said and key details: Current and former firefighters, association leaders and family members recounted departures and low morale. Daniel Irvin, a former senior firefighter, said, "The fire department is bleeding out." Division Chief Jamie Costner and other rank‑and‑file members described long hours and the difference in annual work hours between 24‑hour shift firefighters and typical 40‑hour employees. Matt Cole, an association steward, described rank compression and said a newly promoted senior firefighter "now earns $5,000 a year less than a police officer with that same tenure," and that the starting salary disparity between a new firefighter and a new police officer grew to about $8,300 after the recent police adjustment, as stated in his remarks.

Association leaders called for a budget solution that restores parity and improves retention. Steve Ryan, president of the Hendersonville Firefighters Association, asked for improved communication and an apology for remarks he said had eroded trust; he closed with, "We want to work with the executive office to achieve what is best for the Hendersonville Firefighters Association and the city of Hendersonville." Several speakers recounted emergency calls and family experiences to illustrate the department's community value.

Other business and formal votes: The board approved the agenda and minutes for the April 8 meeting, and passed two resolutions by voice vote. Resolution 2025‑14 authorizes the mayor to sign a release of deed restrictions for the Bradford Berry property; Resolution 2025‑15 authorizes the Handmade Market to renew use of the City Hall grounds for its annual activities and was amended on the floor to change the fee from $200 to $250 for the event year. All recorded motions on those items passed by voice vote with no opposing votes announced.

Context and constraints: Speakers repeatedly referenced an ordinance passed in February 2004 establishing pay parity between police and fire; several commenters said that parity exists historically and that recent adjustments have eroded it. Commenters urged the board to use sales‑tax referendum proceeds and reallocated vacant salary dollars rather than raise property taxes; Charlena Allmiller, a certified public accountant and resident, reminded the board the community voted in favor of a recent sales tax referendum and asked why promised public safety funding has not restored parity.

What the board said will happen next: Committee chairs said they are actively reviewing compensation and budget options ahead of the FY2026 budget cycle and invited firefighters and residents to provide input. No formal pay changes were adopted at the April 22 meeting.

Ending: The meeting closed after committee reports and routine business; aldermen and committee chairs reiterated they will examine the fiscal options raised by speakers and consider proposals during the budget process.