Council divided over HR pay study for police and fire; cost and funding are central concerns

Council debated a resolution asking the Department of Human Resources to perform a targeted pay-adjustment study for the police and fire departments and return results to the city council. Sponsor Councilman Shekinah said the intent is to begin a conversation on pay structures and potential incentives for recruitment and retention.

Councilman Zacharias framed the issue as one of fiscal consistency: "To the people of Clarksville, this council speaks with one voice," he said, and argued directives should align with appropriated dollars. Zacharias noted the last pay study cost HR $64,000 and that HR's operating budget is $271,726; "If we assume this study will say that we're missing the mark, we still have to raise the funds to implement the study," he said, warning that implementation could add to the tax rate if not funded.

Opponents said the city should use internal expertise or no-cost resources. Councilman Chandler asked why the city would hire an outside firm, noting available internal staff and free statewide data services. Councilman Smith called a paid outside study "a waste of money" and preferred benchmarking other cities directly.

Committee votes were split: the public safety committee passed the resolution 4'to—; the finance committee deadlocked 2'to' leading it to fall there. Council deferred final action and indicated continuing deliberations next week.

Next step: the resolution will return for further consideration; no final council action was recorded in the transcript.