James Island firefighters dispute district’s claim of inadequate funding for pay raises

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – The James Island Firefighters Union is disputing the district’s claims of inadequate funding for pay raises.

According to James Island Firefighters, their statement follows the fire department’s struggle with recruitment and retention challenges.

The James Island Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 5385, released municipal financial documents of the James Island Public Service District (JIPSD), which the union says proves the district has sufficient resources to implement pay raises.

Takeaways from the financial documents, according to James Island Firefighters:

• General Fund Growth: The union states the general fund balance increased by over 77% from FY21 to FY23, presenting fiscal health for the district. The asset-to-liability ratio also rose nearly 26% in the same period, which demonstrates the district’s capacity to manage debts.
• Strong Reserves: The union states by the end of FY23, over 99% of the district’s general fund balance was unreserved, showcasing financial flexibility. The fund balance also exceeded the Government Finance Officers Association’s guidelines of 16.67%.
• Positive Financial Indicators Across Funds: All governmental funds maintained positive fund balances and asset-to-liability ratios, which the union says reflects overall financial stability.

James Island Firefighters say despite the district’s positive financial status, they are not recruiting and retaining firefighters.

“The financial health of the James Island Public Service District is strong, with substantial growth in the general fund and significant unreserved funds. It is evident that the district has the means to provide the much-needed raises to our firefighters. The ongoing recruitment and retention problems are critical issues that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We urge the district to reassess its financial priorities and invest in the essential
services provided by our dedicated firefighters.”

Statement from IAFF 5385

As previously reported, the President of the James Island Professional Firefighters Association spoke out against the low pay of their firefighters and the struggle that comes along with it.

“In the area, the average is 50,000 dollars a year and our firefighters currently are under 37 (thousand) and we’re trying to get as close as we can to that 50,000-dollar year average so that we can retain people, but also hire people,” said Sean Foulois, the President of the James Island Professional Firefighters Association.

The Commission Chair for the James Island Public Service District advocated that better compensation is a district-wide concern and each department is essential in keeping residents safe.

“Compensation for our essential workers is funded by our limited tax base of 7,000 customers of the JIPSD. The Commission has a proposed budget increasing salaries to get all areas of the JIPSD better pay,” said Mary Clifford, JIPSD Commission Chair.

The JIPSD Commission is scheduled to meet on June 24^th for a budget meeting.