Jackson City Council earmarks money for firefighter raises, but JFD will also cut positions
After packing city council meetings and calling in sick in an effort to get a raise, Jackson firefighters have been heard.Members of the Jackson City Council’s finance committee approved $1.6 million to go toward raises for firefighters. In addition, the Jackson Fire Department will come up with an additional $1.4 million for raises by eliminating 31 positions. Fire Chief Willie Owens proposed $62,000 for district chiefs, $54,000 for captains, $48,000 lieutenants, $44,000 and $35,000 for firefighters and $31,000 for recruits.During earlier budget hearings, Owens said there are 354 budgeted positions within the fire department. Owens said there are 65 vacancies, which under the plan, 31 of the vacant positions will be cut. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba had proposed increasing mileage rates to pay for the raises, but the council was against it.Dozens of firefighters again packed city council chambers Tuesday to demand a pay raise. The Jackson City Council is working to put together a new budget. The full council will have to approve money for the raises.
After packing city council meetings and calling in sick in an effort to get a raise, Jackson firefighters have been heard.
Members of the Jackson City Council’s finance committee approved $1.6 million to go toward raises for firefighters. In addition, the Jackson Fire Department will come up with an additional $1.4 million for raises by eliminating 31 positions.
Fire Chief Willie Owens proposed $62,000 for district chiefs, $54,000 for captains, $48,000 lieutenants, $44,000 and $35,000 for firefighters and $31,000 for recruits.
During earlier budget hearings, Owens said there are 354 budgeted positions within the fire department. Owens said there are 65 vacancies, which under the plan, 31 of the vacant positions will be cut.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba had proposed increasing mileage rates to pay for the raises, but the council was against it.
Dozens of firefighters again packed city council chambers Tuesday to demand a pay raise. The Jackson City Council is working to put together a new budget. The full council will have to approve money for the raises.
