Baton Rouge Firefighters Advocate for Pay Raise Amidst Confusing Ballot Language
The proposition, labeled “City of Baton Rouge - 6 Mills - MC - 10 Years,” fails to indicate its connection to firefighter compensation, prompting worries among firefighters that voters may unintentionally dismiss it.
BATON ROUGE, La. — As the Baton Rouge Fire Department prepares for the upcoming election, firefighters are rallying support for a millage proposition that aims to increase their starting salaries to industry standards. However, concerns are mounting over the vague title of the measure, which could mislead voters about its purpose.
The proposition, labeled “City of Baton Rouge - 6 Mills - MC - 10 Years,” fails to indicate its connection to firefighter compensation, prompting worries among firefighters that voters may unintentionally dismiss it. Jake Morgan, president of the Baton Rouge Professional Firefighters Association, voiced his frustrations regarding the lack of descriptive language in the title.
“The title doesn’t provide the context that voters need,” Morgan stated. “I’m concerned that people will overlook this opportunity to support the firefighters who serve their community.”
Currently, Baton Rouge firefighters earn starting salaries of $33,207 per year, which is significantly lower than the industry standard of $40,000. If the proposition passes, it would lead to an estimated 17-20% pay raise for firefighters, costing taxpayers approximately $14.5 million. This would result in an increase of about $8 per month for the average homeowner.
While Morgan understands the hesitance some may feel about raising taxes, he emphasizes the importance of public safety funding. “Public safety is 100% funded by tax dollars. If you want quality public safety, it involves taxes,” he explained.
The proposal comes after years of discussions with city officials regarding salary adjustments, with Morgan indicating that this step was taken only as a last resort. Alarmingly, the department has seen a marked increase in resignations, with nearly 20 firefighters leaving for better-paying opportunities in the last year alone.
Losing experienced personnel could have far-reaching consequences, according to Morgan. “If we lose manpower because firefighters are chasing better pay elsewhere, it could impact your property insurance and lead to higher rates for homeowners,” he warned.
The East Baton Rouge Metro Council, which is responsible for the ballot language, has yet to respond to inquiries about the title. In the meantime, Morgan is urging voters to read the fine print and understand the importance of the proposition for the community’s safety and well-being.
