New Smyrna Beach Firefighters Demand Pay Raises Amid Staffing Crisis
New Smyrna Beach firefighters advocate for higher pay amid staffing concerns, as city commissioners address public comments on low salaries.
New Smyrna Beach Firefighters Demand Pay Raises Amid Staffing Crisis
City commissioners in New Smyrna Beach were taken aback during a recent meeting when public comments flooded in, advocating for pay raises for local firefighters. According to MyNews13, firefighters and their supporters expressed growing frustration about feeling undervalued compared to their peers in similar cities. This sentiment was persistent among those who took the floor to share their stories, indicating a pressing need to re-evaluate firefighter compensation in the city.
Amid ongoing contract negotiations, city officials are eagerly awaiting the results of a salary study to determine what kind of pay adjustments might be feasible. Firefighter Josh Powers highlighted a significant increase in call volume, projecting over 8,000 calls this year—25% more than last year. This surge is one of the factors leading to concerns about firefighter pay and staffing levels. As it stands, Ashley Powers, a firefighter’s wife, warned that the city is at risk of losing up to one-third of its trained personnel, as many have already submitted applications to other departments.
Wages Under Spotlight
The last contract for the New Smyrna Beach firefighters, ratified in 2022, set a starting salary of $44,656.10. However, with overtime and incentives, salaries can exceed $58,000. Comparatively, firefighters in nearby Ormond Beach earn around $48,500, while those in Volusia County see an average salary upwards of $53,000. This discrepancy is not lost on the firefighters, especially when the starting wage is currently pegged at just $15.33 an hour, amounting to about $44,600 annually, as noted by ClickOrlando.
Firefighter Christian Huddleston, who plans to leave for a better-paying opportunity, articulated what many firefighters feel: low wages are not only discouraging but detrimental to securing robust emergency services for the community. With nearly one-third of the department actively applying elsewhere, concerns about staffing shortages are legitimate. Brandon Carroll, representing Local 2271 Fire Union, noted that the last hiring round attracted only three applicants, reflecting a worrying trend.
Comparisons in the Region
The local situation draws an interesting parallel to other cities in the region addressing similar issues. Cleveland, for example, recently announced a new contract that includes a 12% raise for its firefighters, with annual raises planned for the next three years, as per FireRescue1. This agreement underscores the city’s commitment to attracting and retaining qualified firefighters amidst growing staffing challenges.
Moreover, nearby jurisdictions, including Brevard County and Sanford, have stepped up to enhance firefighter compensation, drawing attention to the broader trends in public safety funding across the state. Mayor Fred Cleveland of New Smyrna Beach echoed his concern regarding how the firefighters approached the issue, yet acknowledged the necessity for an investigation into their claims as negotiations with fire and police departments continue.
As discussions evolve, the future of firefighter compensation in New Smyrna Beach remains uncertain. Commissioners have committed to looking into the matter, but with rising living costs and increased responsibilities, time is of the essence for those bravely serving our community.