When a person decides to work for the government, be it local, state or federal, he or she generally accepts a lower salary in exchange for the opportunity to serve as well as more job security. When someone chooses the private sector, they make a conscious choice for higher pay and generally more risk. When the economy is booming, those in the private sector generally see an increase in salary and advancement opportunities. Those who choose instead to serve their community, watch the private sector salaries increase while theirs remains a near constant. I'm sure that you were not complaining about government salaries while the economy was in better shape.

You say those working for the county should "pitch in to save this faltering country." Those firefighters, police officers and teachers have been "pitching in" their entire careers. They have been educating your children, keeping your streets safe, and answering the calls of those in need, many times at the risk of their own lives. While you complain about salaries, what have you done to better society or to help those in need? What sacrifices have you made? How many times did you go to work knowing your life was on the line while someone sat in the safety of their home complaining about your salary and benefits? When did you sit in a classroom full of impressionable young children and try to teach them the skills they need to be successful?

You say those who complain about their pay here then they can "get out." You say there have been others to fill the void. I certainly hope that when you call 911 you don't get one of the new inexperienced "void fillers" because the experienced ones have heeded your advice and gotten out. Everyone expects that because they live in Fayette County they deserve the best in their services. I must say that for the most part you have the best. The employees of Fayette County are some of the best in the business. Unfortunately, in order to retain and attract those people it costs money. And yet, those who provide those services don't make near the salaries they would in the private sector. Why don't you "get out" and move somewhere where the property taxes are lower and the government salaries are lower. Might I suggest Clayton County?

If you are in Clayton County as you say, then why are you complaining about Fayette County salaries and benefits? I also fail to see how a support of those who sacrifice to provide services to the citizens is even remotely connected to unions.

That's just it.

We are short firefighters, and police. Many have left for better pay. We can't afford to lose these people they keep us safe and they deserve cost of living raises.

In talking to one of the county commissioners, I found that our county's population would require 48 EMTs.

We had this number a couple of years ago but now are down to 28. The senior staff leave not as much for a large difference in salaries but for a superior benefit package offered by nearby counties.

We could hire entry level folks to fill these roles but then you raise the question of how much experience do you want the EMT to have IF it's you riding in the ambulance?

It's not an easy problem to solve, but I did find that the commissioner that I spoke to had researched the numbers very well.

I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born. ~Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980

This is the way to blog!

My brother is a paramedic. I just count EMT's paramedic, and firefighters all together. Most firefighters are EMT's also, and many are paramedics. They are all under appreciated.

Just a few months ago someone was complaining on here because their home was on fire and only one firetruck with one guy showed up at first. We get what we pay for. No one thinks cops or firefighters are important until they need them. Then it is usually to late. We need to stop singing like the birds .....cheap,....cheap,.....cheap.

You get what you pay for. In this case the services cops, and firefighters provide is a matter of life and death. How much is your life worth?? How much is your families life worth??

Sandy Springs starting pay for cops is 10 grand over our starting pay in PTC. Gee, I wonder why some of our cops left to go work there??

anyone else who has an interest I'll post it here.

We're so short on Fireman/EMT/paramedics that often the fireman must wait for someone else to show up before he can answer a call.

Fed and state laws forbid him leaving the firetruck at the site unless at least one other fireman is present.

I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.~Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980 This is the way to blog!

I don't know....why do they advertise as only have 2 vacancies on their website if they have 20? That might be one of the problems. Of course, some of those 20 vacancies could easily be new budgeted positions that they haven't attempted to fill because they want to save money instead.

The previous county commissioners put in place, not only an inefficient personnel structure and management team, but one that offered no positive reenforcement or encouraged employee retention. (Thanks Greg & Linda)

They pushed to get rid of the higher senority (read that as knowledgable and experienced) personnel with higher pay, in order to hire less experienced and cheaper staff.

This new commission is finally recognizing that fact and are trying to do something.

Let's hope they succeed.