Shreveport Fire Chief Scott Wolverton presented a PowerPoint presentation on firefighter pay and funding options to the Shreveport Council's Public Safety Committee on Tuesday.
The presentation was overly long and really too detailed in many aspects. Thankfully, committee chair Grayson Boucher had copies of the presentation available to those in attendance.
Wolverton identified several revenue sources. Unfortunately, finding a never-ending pot of gold was not one of them.
Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymend coat-tailed his plans for pay and equipment after Wolverton.
One option is dedicated revenue. The council would by ordinance guarantee revenue to fund pay increases and fund an apparatus/equipment replacement plan.
A second option was a sales tax increase, which would require voter approval. A one-quarter (1/4) cent sales tax was projected to produce $11.3 million per annum .
A public safety fee was identified as an alternative. This fee would be added to residential and commercial water bills. This could include the current $2.50 fee for recycling if this program is discontinued.
Wolverton also identified a fee for service ordinance that would apply to SFD only. Fees for emergency services could be charged to personal insurance companies.
Wolverton's last funding option was a "sin tax" on alcohol, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Actually, he said this was suggested by a council member. There is some question if the city can actually impose such a tax.
Councilman John Nickelson suggested a new property tax as a funding source.
The committee members reaffirmed that pay for Shreveport police and fire should be equal, including an annual 2% pay increase for police. State statute provides this for firemen but not law enforcement.
They also acknowledged the pressing need for an additional pay raise for these public safety personnel.
Needless to say, the committee members have challenges with any option or combination thereof. More meetings of this committee can be expected.
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE August 21 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.