Clarksville firefighters advocate for higher pay amid budget discussions with city council

The City Council of Clarksville held a special work session on June 12, 2025, focusing on budget adjustments and public safety funding. Key discussions centered around the hotel-motel tax revenue and its implications for the city’s budget, particularly concerning the funding for the performing arts center and firefighter salaries.

During the meeting, Councilman Zacharias raised concerns about the hotel-motel tax rate, which was set at 2.75%. He noted that this rate is generating more revenue than initially expected, bringing in approximately $100,000 per month. However, it was clarified that this amount would not be sufficient to cover the debt service for the performing arts center, indicating a need for additional fundraising efforts.

Councilman Smith emphasized that the current budget adjustments should not be perceived as a tax increase, but rather as a necessary step to balance the budget and support city growth. He reassured constituents that the adjustments were aimed at restoring funding levels to support essential services.

Public comments highlighted the urgent need for increased firefighter salaries. Jesse Snyder, president of Local 3180 and a firefighter, advocated for better compensation, citing that many firefighters are struggling to make ends meet and often work multiple jobs. He pointed out that starting salaries for Clarksville firefighters are significantly lower than those in neighboring communities, which could lead to retention issues.

Owen James, another firefighter, presented data comparing salaries across various cities, illustrating that Clarksville's compensation is lagging behind. He argued that competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining quality personnel in the fire department.

Josh Gillette, a veteran and community member, passionately called for the council to prioritize the needs of firefighters, emphasizing that their well-being is essential for the safety of the community. He criticized the council for not adequately addressing the financial challenges faced by public safety personnel.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions, but the discussions underscored the pressing need for the council to address budgetary constraints while ensuring fair compensation for firefighters. The council is expected to continue deliberating these issues in upcoming sessions, with public safety funding remaining a critical topic of concern.