On the Ballot: Baton Rouge Firefighters Support Property Tax Increase for Higher Salaries

(BATON ROUGE, La.) — November is right around the corner. With it comes big decisions for the residents of Baton Rouge, La. The Baton Rouge Fire Department (BRFD) is asking for a property tax rate increase for the first time in 25 years to give firefighters a pay raise.

With a packed ballot, the salary measure could directly affect both residents and firefighters of Baton Rouge. 

Entry-level Baton Rouge firefighters start out at an annual salary of $33,207 as of 2022, according to the City of Baton Rouge Firefighter Employment webpage. Many firefighters shared that they need multiple sources of income to comfortably live. Residents have the option this coming November to vote for or against imposing the property tax. The collected tax will go into a fund to increase their salary and retirement benefits each year for ten years.

As the election nears, The Click spoke with local firefighters, who wished to remain anonymous in accordance with the BRFD Handbook Press Guidelines, to hear how the proposal could impact them and their families if passed.

“I think we definitely deserve it. It really isn’t about whether we are underpaid or not, but about getting quality people to join the department knowing they can make a living from it. It is hard to recruit knowing you need to get multiple jobs afterwards,” a private from the BRFD shared. 

A fire captain with the BRFD said, “I’m definitely for it. A 17-20% raise over the course of their career– it’s going to make a big difference. It will bring higher up positions to be comfortable, but it will really impact younger recruits in their careers.”

Many Baton Rouge residents took to Facebook to show their support when the issue came before the Metro Council in April, with one resident saying, “Got my vote! They should be paid for putting their lives on the line for the safety of our city.” Others reminded residents it would mean higher taxes, “I would sure hope the people would support this. But on the other hand, I know people are so tired of out-of-control taxes.” The tax passed the Metro Council with an 8-2 vote, according to The Advocate, on April 10, 2024.

“People call us on the worst days of their life,” another private with the BRFD said. “Our job is to help, and we do it with respect and efficiency. Now, we are calling them for help. I hope they pick up the phone and make the right decision at the ballot box.”

The election is November 5. Click here for your polling location.