Hattiesburg City Council Meeting Notice

[daisy]

HATTIESBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:

______Monday, August 7th at City Hall-- 4:00p.m. City Council meeting room 1st room on right. This will be an agenda meeting with several requests for money and other things and then a worksession. Both are open to the public and I have a feeling after speaking with someone this one and the next day's may be quite interesting. ___________

______Tuesday, August 8th at City Hall--6:oop.m.-------- 6:00p.m.--- Same Place as above. Meeting and close to the end it is Concerned Citizens' Night where citizens have the opportunity to have 5 minutes to voice concerns to the council and mayor. Don't worry if someone else says the same thing as you. Sometimes we need to hear it over and over to get it. The place the citizen stands in is close to the front of the council and the mayor and your back is facing the audience. This room is a lot cozier and really is not intimidating. I plan to be there. Listening to all ya"lls concerns has given me the courage to go there and say what I think. :smt038 :smt006









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[hbm]

One of the proposals that will be before the council is for a $1500.00 a year raise for police officers under the rank of sargent. This does very little to fix the problem in the department. First we need to bring the pay to or above what surrounding agencies pay or we do not do away with the leaving for pay reason or excuse.(whichever way you look at this issue). We are going to have to give these raises no matter who is chief and if other agencies can pat this then we should be able to also. We have the 2nd largest sales tax revenue in the state, but we won't if people get scared to come spend money here. This proposal only give raises for officers under the rank of sargent. I think we need to make sure we check all levels. It is the experienced officers we need to keep more than any. We also need to repair the holding facility. Why it takes a year to start work on the repair I cannot fiqure out, but it needs to be done now. It is a shame that the elections were before the hurricane if they had been after all the repairs would have been done before we voted. We also need to make our fire depatment pay to scale with other department in our area an dmake sure they have the best equipment and whatever else they need to do the job. the fire rating keeps down our insurance premiums.

[daisy]

What and where is the holding facility? Is that the same as the jail? Are you saying our fire department is below scale? I can't keep up with all that without people like you letting me know.

I appreciate your input. I didn't know. Thanks.

[hbm]

The holding facility was a converted old school. It was for the non-violent criminal if there is such a thing. It housed as I understand it about 100 inmates. It was damaged in the storm and has not been repaired in hopes of getting a new facility.
I talked to fireman the other who offered to show me his check stub (I did not look at it as I trusted that if he offered to show it he was telling the truth) that he was making $8.03 an hour. He has been with the departmet a couple of years.

[daisy]

Thank you for that info. I didn't know that.



The interesting things that were mentioned to me have not been touched on by the way.

[Little-ole-me]

I must say that it was so sad to see My old Elementary School. Central Elementary School turned into a Jail years ago. In its Day that was one of the Best School's around.

[58ford]

The holding facility was a converted old school. It was for the non-violent criminal if there is such a thing. It housed as I understand it about 100 inmates. It was damaged in the storm and has not been repaired in hopes of getting a new facility.
I talked to fireman the other who offered to show me his check stub (I did not look at it as I trusted that if he offered to show it he was telling the truth) that he was making $8.03 an hour. He has been with the departmet a couple of years.

Dang!
We've got to pay those guys better.
I won't even get out of bed for $8/hr. Much less firght a freakin' fire.

[Conveyor Belt]

Hiring Notice
The City of Hattiesburg is seeking qualified persons to become Firefighters. Interested applicants must:

- Be 18 years of age
- Be a United States citizen
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have no felony convictions
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Be a registered voter in current county/city of residence
- Reside within (10) miles of the Hattiesburg city limits or willing to re-locate within (6) months of employment
- STARTING SALARY: $22,000.00

If they're working 24hrs on, 48 hrs off, that's 121 work days a year, but at 2920hrs worked. $22,000/2920=$7.53/hr. I almost pay that much an hour to regular employees, but they sure aren't getting that many hours!

[SMOKEandEMBERS]

So now does anyone want my job. Don't get me wrong I love my job, it's my life. I've been doing it for 20 years, I must love it. but I will be happy to show my check to anyone.

[Conveyor Belt]

I see on the Hattiesburg city website they're offering $50,000+ (DOE) for the new fire chief.

[Conveyor Belt]

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Hattiesburg is seeking qualified persons to become Police Officers. Applications are currently being taken at City Hall/Human Resource, Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to establish an eligibility list only.

POLICE
SEE TEXT BELOW
STARTING SALARY: Entry level officers recruit in Academy training $22,000; Completion of Academy training (without college) $25,000; Completion of Academy training (with AA Degree) $26,000; Completion of Academy training (with BS Degree) $27,000; Completion of Academy training (with MA Degree) $28,000. Laterals depending on experience/Education $27,000.- $32,000.
Incumbent must be 21 years of age or older, a United States Citizen. Have a high school diploma or GED (college degree is preferred). Have no felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions. Reside within ten (10) miles of city limits or relocate within six (6) months of employment. Incumbent must possess a valid driver license, and be a registered voter in current County/City of residence.

The police officer wanted online posting.

[Conveyor Belt]

From the Hattiesburg City Website, fire department section:

http://www.hattiesburgms.com/fd.html

9. Implementation of a new Fire Fighter Pay Scale – This new pay plan recognizes fire fighter training and experience, and rewards personnel for their efforts. This enabled the city to be competitive with other fire departments in the state, to retain its highly trained and certified fire fighters, and to attract certified personnel from other cities. Implemented 2003.

Can someone explain this scale to me and how much more you get for each thing, also, what things merit an increase, etc.?

[wilebill]

Just wanted to post something here to see if I'd get thanked for it. I'm a little short of "thanked"'s right now.

[Fire Extinguisher]

From the Hattiesburg City Website, fire department section:

http://www.hattiesburgms.com/fd.html



Can someone explain this scale to me and how much more you get for each thing, also, what things merit an increase, etc.?

$500 a year step increase (thats 19.23 a paycheck)
$500 a year for specialized training and/or degrees. ( maximum of $2000 per year)
The training includes Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, Smoke Diver, and Fire Investigator.
Also included at $1000 per for Associates, Bachlors and Masters Degree
$1500 per year ($57.69 per check) for promotion from FF to Engineer, Eng to Lieutenant and Lt. to Captain. (not a lot of money for the added headache and responsibility)
$ 4500 per year for promotion to Battalion Chief, which makes one expempt from the Federal Mandated overtime as outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act. This means no OT when having to attend meetings or training while on off-duty status. No OT when called out at 2AM. BC's take work home with them to complete, recieve phone calls nearly every day concerning Dept business. The Shift BC is responsible,not only for his 38 men, but also is in charge of protecting the entire city. The two 8 hour BC's could never complete all the work they havein a 40 hour week. (Thats Inspection and Training) The BC over Training has the added responsibility (with no extra pay) of the FD Hazmat Team as well as the Souteast 1 Regional Response Team which is one of 9 in the state. The RRT is made up of about 100 city employess (along with AAA and the EOC) and could be called on by the State to respond anywhere, in or out of state to assist in emergency operations. The Inspection BC is in charge of business inspection to make sure all are up to code as well as fire investigations, evidence collection in the case of foul play along with having to go out late at night to check occupancy loads. If one thinks this is unneccessary or harrassment he should look at photos of the last big one in Rhode Island where the dead kids were stacked like fire wood at the door.

You have posted on here many times, degrading the Firemen and what we do for the pitifull amount of money we get paid. (to much to you). You have also questioned what we do, your 6 month activity report is being prepared.

[Conveyor Belt]

$500 a year step increase (thats 19.23 a paycheck)
$500 a year for specialized training and/or degrees. ( maximum of $2000 per year)
The training includes Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, Smoke Diver, and Fire Investigator.
Also included at $1000 per for Associates, Bachlors and Masters Degree


So, every year you get a $500 pay increase? In 5 years, a $22,000 rookie could be making $28,000 with no promotions (that's 4 $500 increases, the 4 specialized trainings you outlined, plus school for 4 years)?



You have posted on here many times, degrading the Firemen and what we do for the pitifull amount of money we get paid. (to much to you). You have also questioned what we do, your 6 month activity report is being prepared.

And I've made an apology about my wrongheaded thinking beforehand. Sure, I could go in and erase the previous statements and they'd be gone, but I'm leaving them there as a testament to my transformation. I would think it obvious from the last post that I'm clearly outlining in a way no one has just how many hours a rookie firefighter is required to be away from his family for the amount of money he/she is getting paid. That's more time than I'm willing to part with my family for under $100,000/yr (not even sure I'd do it for that much). Kudos to you and yours for being able to spend that much time apart. You should be justly compensated.

[Fire Extinguisher]

[quote=Converyor Belt]So, every year you get a $500 pay increase? In 5 years, a $22,000 rookie could be making $28,000 with no promotions (that's 4 $500 increases, the 4 specialized trainings you outlined, plus school for 4 years)?


The problem with this is that there is no way that a FF could get all of the specialized training in 4 years. But even if he did, a man, that risks his life for the citizens, at 28K with wife and even one kid, with the crappy insurance they charge you over 300 a month for...... poverty level.

[dollfus46]

What and where is the holding facility? Is that the same as the jail? Are you saying our fire department is below scale? I can't keep up with all that without people like you letting me know.

I appreciate your input. I didn't know. Thanks.

Daisy, in Greenville, a holding cell is merely a large room in the jail, where those who are arrested for various crimes are put until they can be processed and assigned a cell. That cell "area" will depend on the crime they are charged with. Violent arrestee's are segregated from non-violent ones, such as those arrested for bad checks, etc. They are usually "held" for only a day in the holding cell.

[Conveyor Belt]

Fire Extinguisher, not comparing jobs, but benifits... firefighters are not alone in the pay/benifits that are offered. The last company that owned my job medical insurance cost over $360 a month for employee+spouse+Xkids. The new company that owns my job isn't much better, but still. That's why I'm fortunate that my wife has a good job with much better benifits, and she carries our son on her insurance. That rate was for an employee making $5.15/hr or making $18,000/yr. In effect, you're working for health insurance.
I can sympathize completely with the money situation.

I'm suprised that the cities of the state can't bind together and buy health insurance at a more deeply discounted rate, though. There's power in large groups, and if they would just combine their buying power, then it would create a lower monthly fee. This is something I've thought about and talked lobbied for in my own job.

Do the firefighters have an organization similar to the PBA for police officers? I know the PBA is there, in part, to help protect officers from legal actions, but don't they also lobby for benifits, etc? Off the top of my head, I seem to recall firefighters in other parts of the country being union, and while, I don't generally agree with unionization, is there such a union or similar type organization for firefighers locally?

Lastly, in regards to your insurance rates; does your insurance offer a lower rate for employee+spouse than for family? If so, you might want to consider letting CHIPS handle your child's insurance, and just carrying yourself and spouse on the city plan.

[fuzzis]

Actually, CB...health care is shitty all over the country. I worked in a very large school district, insurance handled through the state (that whole supposed discounted rate). One dependent on the insurance was $600/month. Add another and it jumped up to $800/month. On top of that, co-pays were high ($30 for an office visit, 6 per year and then out of pocket...prescriptions were $20-30 for generics and name brands at cost, although the mail order prescription program was very affordable if your doc would write the RX that way and your drug was available for the program. I think $10 for a 3 month supply)

I'm truly confused as to why the United States, supposedly the greatest nation in the world, can't find a way to make health care affordable for all of its citizens. (not free, but affordable)

fuzzis

[Conveyor Belt]

Actually, CB...health care is shitty all over the country. I worked in a very large school district, insurance handled through the state (that whole supposed discounted rate). One dependent on the insurance was $600/month. Add another and it jumped up to $800/month. On top of that, co-pays were high ($30 for an office visit, 6 per year and then out of pocket...prescriptions were $20-30 for generics and name brands at cost, although the mail order prescription program was very affordable if your doc would write the RX that way and your drug was available for the program. I think $10 for a 3 month supply)

I'm truly confused as to why the United States, supposedly the greatest nation in the world, can't find a way to make health care affordable for all of its citizens. (not free, but affordable)

fuzzis

That's just ridiculous. That's almost enough to make me turn to socialist thoughts... almost LOL. Right now, I carry myself on the insurance offered at work, and it's not a bad plan. I'm pretty happy with it. The office co pays are $30, but there's no limit on them. The scripts are a bit better, but I've had cheaper. My 90 day supply through mailorder is basically like getting a month free.

Looking at all the things the government has it's hand in, I'm not sure they'd be able to handle health insurance. Look at all the other stuff they've royally messed up that could have been so simple. I really don't want the government having any more say than it already does in my health care choices.

$600/month... jeez louise!

[fuzzis]

The Ed Leadership department at USM lost an excellent stats prof because the cost of insrance was too high and the insurance was crap. He's willing to go to North Dakota because the health care is that much better through their state system. Who the hell says, HEY! Think I'll move to North Dakota? He said that with his wife and child on the insurance and considering all it didn't cover, it was bankrupting them. (didn't cover his 2 year old's shots so $300 for that...on top of the $600/month taken out of his check for his wife and child)

fuzzis

[Fire Extinguisher]

Actually the city is self-insured Blue Cross is just the admin of it. I don't think there is an employee-spouse plan....just family. I am in the same boat, my wife has a much betterplan at a much cheaper rate so she carries familycoverage.

The FD once had membership in the International Association of Firefighters and are at present trying to regain our Charter. Union rules can at times be crazy...but the IAFF's main goal is for the protection of FF's through legislative actions. They also have benifit packages for members that the members of the HFD could use along with the fact that they will provide legal representation or help pay for it. Most of the regulation concerning equipment and manpower requirements are a direct result of the IAFF's efforts.

[Leprechaun]

Also, to add to fire extinguisher, these raises are not automatic. A firefighter has to take a strenuos physical fittness test twice a year for his $500 bucks, if he fails he has another attempt at a later date, if he fails 3 times he gets to go find a job elsewhere. The raises must be voted on by city council every year. Look folks they are not complaining. However it would be nice if the powers that be, would at least honestly treat them with respect, not just when the media is there. Firefighters love their job, just a police officers do. The CAO of the city is knocking down around $90K a year. Another lack of respect is, the just resigned Fire Chief was making $67K. He started at over $60K. The Police Chief is making closer to $70K. How is it that they want to hire a new Fire Chief and pay him a mere $50K. The present Assistant Chief makes $56K with an added incentive for acting as Fire Chief. It is obvious the administration wants to hire from outside. Only someone who has a retirement already would take this headache and I mean HEADACHE and deal with the political climate that our fair city has now.

[Conveyor Belt]

How is it that they want to hire a new Fire Chief and pay him a mere $50K.

I'm sure the new chief will be making around $60K. The ad says $50K+ depending on experience. If the new chief has been a chief elsewhere, then I'm sure that'll easily tack on an extra $10K or so, probably $20K if he has a clean record, which I'm not too convinced the current administration is all that interested in. I think they're more interested in a Dupree yes-man.

[Leprechaun]

CB, I think your right on with the yes man potential, but I respectfully disagree with you on the payscale. They can get their man in at a lower rate, because the qualified people inside the department will not want the job at that rate. Once his yes man is in then they can work on raising his pay. The whole key to this position and many others in this administration is predicated on the open city council seat. If they get their man, all bets are off and they will do what ever they want without concern for anyone who does not agree with their arrogance.

[Leprechaun]

Daisy, I appreciate all your comments, I do work in municipal government.

[daisy]

You sly little leprechaun- I keep trying to catch you for my wishes or pot of gold. Keep up the good work and you're 3 away from posting on your own.

[Smoke Diver]

I have to agree with leprechaun. The whole reason for offering the low salary to a new fire chief is this. The men that are right for the job and are already employed by the HFD will not touch that position for 50,000. They would have to go to eight hour days. They would not be able to work thier second job. They would lose money. This administration does not want these men to apply. They are not yes men.