Your Taxpayer’s Association continues to yield disappointing results with our recommendations to the Martin County Commission. In our July 29 th article we asked the Commission to fully review the contract then being negotiated with the International Association of Fire Fighters, but not required until October. Their response on August 8 th was to unanimously approve that three-year contract as a “consent agenda item” without debate. That action, in our opinion, amounts to a travesty committed against every taxpayer in Martin County, and we do not make that emotional statement lightly.

How can the Taxpayer’s Association possibly disparage raises to our Fire and Rescue personnel? They have received numerous awards and citations, and we acknowledge them as among the very best in the business. We can do so very easily when one reviews the contract’s compounded, across the board, 10% per year increase, and compare the result to other critical members of our society. CURRENTLY senior Fire/Rescue personnel are THE HIGHEST PAID EMPLOYEES in Martin County government. In fiscal 2004/5 the absolute highest paid County employee (which included overtime) was a battalion chief, at $163,307. This exceeded the pay of his boss’ boss’ boss, the County Administrator, by over $5,000. Two other battalion commanders were in the top five, earning $155,295 and $155,190 respectively. Each exceeded the fifth highest, the County Attorney by another $5,000. In fact, assuming these three individuals work an equal amount this year and the 8% increase in their current contract, their pay already exceeds that of a Four Star General. Add the compounded 10% increase approved by the Commission and all three of these individuals can easily earn well over $200,000 by 2009. Add on the increases in FICA withholding (paid by the employer - you), and other benefits, the total cost of this contract becomes staggering.

Also, fire/rescue personnel are eligible to retire after 25 years of service with a retired pay figured on the last five years TOTAL SALARY, INCLUDING OVERTIME. This pension, funded by taxpayers, of these relatively young retirees will likely exceed $100,000, plus extensive benefits, and be for 30-40 or more years. This, of course, is in addition to the enhanced salary of their replacements.

At the low end of the pay scale there is a supportable rationale for maintaining parity with other Florida County’s in order to obtain/retain the best personnel available. However, at a current MINIMUM salary of approximately $35,000 ($55,000 with benefits) for what is arguably a two-day workweek, one can certainly question raising it to over $46,500 in the next three years. This is especially true when the very different work environments of surrounding counties are considered. We have a less dense population, no high-rise buildings and few neighborhoods that might present a challenge to fire/EMS personnel.

If these unwarranted and unfair increases were limited to the approximately 250 individuals covered by the IAFF agreement, the cost could be absorbed. However, the Sheriff will argue that his 600 employees deserve at least as much. How can they logically be denied? His deputies (who unionized last year following the 70% pay increase of the IAFF’s last two contracts) will assert they work more varied, challenging and dangerous situations on a less flexible schedule. Will teachers and other critical (and unionized) county employees seek more and more, and become less and less satisfied if they do not get it? Even a casual observer of human nature understands that answer.