Piedmont firefighters will soon see a pay raise thanks to the actions of the Piedmont City Council on Tuesday.
At the request of Fire Chief Mike Ledbetter, the council voted to increase the department’s starting pay in order to improve firefighter retention.
Non-certified firefighters will now start at $11.50 an hour, up from $10.36, while certified firefighters will start at $13.50, up from $12. A non-certified firefighter can become certified after completing a 12 week training course.
Additionally, 2 current certified firefighters, who have worked within the department for several years, saw their pay increased to $14 per hour.
The pay raise follows a similar increase in police officer salaries about four months ago, which was also an effort to increase retention.
With a 6 to 1 vote, the council passed a resolution adopting its $5.57 million budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year, which began in October 2016. Council Member Greg South cast the lone “No” vote.
The council also agreed to replace a section of sewer pipe along Craig Avenue at a cost of $18,377.
Also, the council passed an ordinance, declaring a parcel of city property, which adjoins the Piedmont Rescue Squad’s property, as surplus, and will soon begin taking bids for the property. The rescue squad hopes to purchase the property in order to facilitate their expansion. The city’s skate park, which currently sits on the property, will be relocated to the Clyde H. Pike Civic Center.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $632497.48.
Mayor Bill Baker reappointed Walt Prater to the Housing Authority.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4th, following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.