Ricky Lee, a Kenner resident, told the City Council on Jan. 24 that recent comments he’s heard indicating firefighters would be paid a $13 hourly starting rate were “insulting and hard to believe” after voters approved a fire millage.

“I would hope the starting pay for firefighters and police officers would at least be that much or higher,” Lee said, referencing $15-an-hour starting wages he has seen advertised for retail and fast-food jobs. He urged the council to adopt a salary structure to retain firefighters and reduce turnover to other parishes.

Councilmember Brannigan responded that total compensation for Kenner firefighters includes overtime and a state supplemental payment, and that when those elements are averaged the effective hourly rate is substantially higher than the base-pay figure cited by Lee. Brannigan said his review of payroll cycles and supplements shows an effective hourly figure in the mid-to-high teens.

Members of the council and the fire department offered to follow up after the meeting. Council leadership suggested Lee and staff discuss the matter outside the public-comment period to allow more detailed review of pay scales, recruitment and retention strategies.

Lee’s remarks drew attention to the interplay between base pay, overtime, state supplements and retention; the council did not take action during the meeting but staff said they would continue to review compensation in the context of the recently passed millage.