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Firefighter says 32% of department applied elsewhere, urges pay adjustments
Summary
A New Smyrna Beach firefighter and union representative told commissioners that roughly 32% of the department has applied to other departments, citing pay that does not match the responsibilities. Staff said a citywide pay and classification study is under way and placeholder funds are included in the proposed budget while negotiations continue.
Brandon Carroll, speaking as a union representative and a firefighter, told the commission the fire department is at a crossroads and that pay does not reflect the level of work performed. "Right now, 32% of the department has applied for other fire departments, and that includes me," Carroll said, warning of potential operational impacts if staffing losses continue.
Carroll described frequent medical calls and advanced-life-saving procedures performed by the department and said several firefighter paramedics have already left because of pay. Commissioners responded with surprise and asked staff whether the issue had been communicated earlier. City staff said the commission authorized a pay and classification study earlier in the year and that placeholder funds were included in the proposed budget to cover potential adjustments pending study results.
Heather (staff) said the current contract expires September 30 and that negotiations are ongoing; staff expects the pay study results later in August and hopes to have full information before budget adoption in late September. No formal action was taken at the workshop; commissioners requested that staff return with the study findings and continue negotiations.
