Raises for firefighters were top of mind for residents who spoke at Asheville’s budget hearing Tuesday.
Discussion of the city’s budget only attracted six speakers during the public comment period – most of whom pushed the city to pass a budget with raises for the fire department.
“ I absolutely understand that you are making difficult decisions in this budget, and I believe that the coming years will require more of those difficult decisions, which is why I'm asking you to give our firefighters a raise that is equitable and in line with other city workers,” Asheville resident Emma Hutchens Nguyen said at the meeting.
Raises for firefighters – and all other city employees – are included in the proposed $256 million budget. Most city employees will see a 3% salary bump. Others, who are making below the median pay – $58,000 – will get a $1,740 increase.
These pay bumps would be funded by a proposed property tax hike. If approved, the increased tax rate would mean a homeowner with a property valued at $350,000 would pay an additional $114 annually.
If approved, this would be the second consecutive property tax increase from the city.
Last year, council members decided to balance the budget – which included staff raises – by raising property taxes and using $7.8 million from Asheville’s fund balance.
This year, the city is challenged by the economic fallout from Hurricane Helene, which slowed its main sources of revenue – sales and property taxes.
Using the fund balance is not an option this time around because that could damage the city’s credit rating, McDowell added.
Not everyone on board
The money gained by raising taxes would fund pay increases but not additional firefighting positions.
City council members have proposed implementing a fourth shift for the department.
“What that would essentially do is reduce our current work hours, which we currently work 56 hours a week on average, because we have three shifts that are always working 24/7,” Hayne Griffin, a captain with the fire department told BPR. “This would add a fourth shift, so we'd reduce our work hours… which brings us equal with the rest of the city employees.”
The proposed plan is a sign of “good faith” from the city, Griffin said.
Although the city has proposed the schedule shift, they have not budgeted for the approximately 80 new firefighters a fourth shift configuration would require. The time would have to be staffed by existing firefighters who agree to work those extra shifts.
Last night, council members Sage Turner and Kim Roney signaled support for the city to add money for five new positions in the department.
Roney suggested cutting city funding to a biohazard removal program that was previously being funded by COVID-era grants. That funding has expired, and the proposed budget includes city funds for the program, she said. In addition, the proposed budget includes cutting vacant city positions to save money.
“ Because it was grant funded, we didn't have regular ongoing funding for it,” Roney said. “So my suggestion was trim it enough to get the firefighter positions, because that would be more recoupable than cutting positions.”
Council members will vote on the final budget on June 10.
Other tidbits
- Council members passed a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Clark Nexsen for the Malvern Hills Park Improvements Project – which includes the community pool and adjoining pool house. The resolution allows the group to move into a design process. Part of the design process will include community feedback.
- City Council also sent a letter to the NC Department of Transportation urging a reconsideration of the controversial I-26 Connector project. The letter, also endorsed by Buncombe County Commissioners, also asked for more community engagement in the final design.
Every second and fourth Tuesday, Asheville City Council meets at the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza, beginning at 5 p.m. See the full recording of the May 27 meeting and the agenda.
Laura Hackett contributed reporting to this story.
