Mount Pleasant, South Carolina – On Monday, the Town of Mount Pleasant conducted a special council meeting to discuss the execution of the 2025 Wage Study and the creation of new posts in the police and fire departments.
The vote went unanimously, approving a chunk of the budget but rejecting more than $1.6 million.
“The council determines the level of service. And then the chief, the town administrator, and all of the department heads take that level of service that we say we want with the resources we provide and do their best with it,” Mount Pleasant Councilmember John Iacofano said.
The 2025 Wage Study was divided into three funding categories, including Phase I, which would increase incentives for first responders and was accepted.
“It’s hard labor. The guys are out there 24/7, 365 days a year, missing birthdays and holidays, and they go into it knowing it’s dangerous work with a low salary,” said Mount Pleasant resident Matt Thomson.
Funding for six new firefighter positions and six additional police officers, including four corporals and two community service officers, was authorized.
“You have to commit the funds. Citizens’ distrust is concentrated here. Citizens want to know where the money is going, and public safety is a top priority. It’s number one,” Iacofano stated.
“This is a start. I believe it sends a signal to the firefighters that we are aware of the problem. We know there is more work to be done.” Thomson stated.
The remaining $1.6 million was supposed to go toward a 4% compensation raise to make the agency more competitive with other local agencies in the area, but that amount was not approved.
“It’s unfortunate that I receive emails and Facebook comments from first responders telling me to keep fighting. Because they must choose between gas and groceries while driving an hour to work. I mean, is that what you want first responders to worry about?” Iacofano spoke.
Ultimately, the vote determined that around $3.6 million would be spent to support the fire and police agencies.
“It’s really important for us in Mount Pleasant to compensate them appropriately so that we can have the best firefighters and police officers here,” Thomson told me.
Deliberation, questions, and remarks lasted an hour and a half during the meeting.
“It would be beneficial for them to visit some firehouses and speak with police officers on the street to learn how they can truly assist them, because I believe you are aware that they provided instances of the salaries that police officers and firefighters earn. And it’s difficult to live in the Charleston area on that kind of pay,” Thomson explained.
“First responders are looking at us and they’re saying, ‘Are you going to take care of us or do we have to go elsewhere to look for work?'” Iacofano spoke.
The $1.6 million that was not approved will be returned to the council committee, although many council members have stated that they want to adequately support their first responders. They simply need more time to consider next measures.
