18.5% raise for firefighters in Columbus is a nice start to a wider fire fighter recruitment and retention problem. Firefighters Get Raise Columbus. Good news for them because firefighters earn this raise through taking risks. The demands are increasing and pay is stagnant. While there is a $103 million cost to the budget its not the fault of such firefighters nor is it a unique cost to only to some places. As with any challenge is the opportunity to try and find new paths.
Thus, we have to start thinking of budgeting long term and create a cushion because these types of services are vitally needed. We can't skimp them least they don't function at their optimum. There may be options to change things around to help but that should not impact total functionality. Sometimes changing the lens can provide new thoughts, ideas and solutions.
Most towns and government entities nationally are running the red line on budgets consistently. The goal should not be to spend but to invest to create net positives. Economic development and social development are connected from a total system perspective so as to help think of what city costs add long benefits and which ones are truly costs (scientists break them apart for analysis but they are connected).
An Example of Possible Net Positives
Taking that extra step to think about return on investment allows for finding and thinking about new opportunities with old costs. A quick not well thought out example. You need more firefighters and recruitment is low and budgets are limited. You create a cadet program that can take on some of the roles, reduce costs, etc. by partnering the fire department with youth programs paid by the state, organizations, other businesses, etc. The program helps develop new talent and helps teens find a path the chaos of their lives (Yes as a society we have responsibilities here even if it doesn't fit well on a balance sheet.). This program teaches basic civil values, teamwork, fire prevention, character development, encourages educational excellence and is a fertile recruitment grounds for highschool juniors and seniors that might want to join the fire department. Perhaps it could be a place business may want to recruit from as well because the training prepares young people for gainful employment in through broad skills. A certificate of completion is provided once someone gets through the program they can provide to potential employers (I can think of a fire dept. in rural MI that might contribute further to the community with such a program.).
Its not a perfect idea but you get the point about thinking about parity and reducing total costs overall while maximizing the societal benefit of that budget. In this example you might help improve 1. firefighter recruitment, 2. fire prevention knowledge, 3. youth grooming, 4. reduce costs through parity, 5. help local businesses, and 6. Improve local business function through human capital development. From a societal level it provides an opportunity for people to learn skills on how to advance thereby improving social mobility throughout ones life. Heck the fire department may be able to hire a few more people for these programs based on an increased budget that saves total cost and raises value to the community. Its just an example so feel free to beat it up or branch out your own thoughts. If leaders start thinking along these or other lines on nearly all budgeting decisions they are likely to find all types of duel efficiencies improving performance and reducing costs while improving output.
Maybe in a couple of years 10% savings while improving return on investment value to society can be realized. We just don't think of government having profits and costs in terms of quality of life and economic development.
Sorry...I'm rambling. Happy to see them get put up to speed on pay.
How much are Firefighters Paid?
The average annual pay according to the BEA is about $55K making it not the best paid occupation. BEA Firefighters Employment 2019 But there are other perks that include benefits, a sense of duty, and a connection to other people. Everyone love firefighters because they bring good into the world!
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