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Public speakers press council on firefighter pay as budget hearing scheduled
Summary
Speakers told the council the city faces firefighter vacancies and high overtime costs and urged a 10% pay adjustment; the council scheduled a budget meeting on Sept. 9 to continue consideration of the fiscal-year operating and debt budgets.
During a public hearing on the proposed fiscal-year 2025 operating and debt-service budgets, members of the public urged the Montgomery City Council to prioritize firefighter pay and continued funding for community programs.
John Norris, speaking at the Aug. 19 hearing, told the council the fire department is carrying about 50 vacancies and that the city will spend an estimated $7 million on overtime this year to cover shifts. He said the cost to recruit and equip a firefighter is roughly $42,000 and urged a 10% pay adjustment to retain staff and reduce overtime. "I respectfully ask for your support of a 10% pay adjustment. It is the smartest way to reduce overtime, prevent turnover, and safeguard public safety," Norris said.
Minister Murphy Green, treasurer of the Montgomery Community Action Agency, thanked the council for including the agency in the proposed budget and said the funding helps fight poverty and support self-sufficiency programs in the River Region.
Council members set a follow-up budget meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. in the old council chamber to continue review of the operating and debt-service budgets and to hear additional public input.
No final budget votes were taken at the Aug. 19 hearing; the meeting was procedural for public input and scheduling of further budget review.
