Cornelius fire chief pushes for firefighter pay raise

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Cornelius leaders, firefighters and the community on Monday night discussed a $2 raise for the town’s firefighters, which brings pay up to $15 an hour.

“Our job is to aid people on the worst days of their life,” one firefighter said inside the packed chamber.

Cornelius firefighters request raise

The fire chief told commissioners the department needs the pay bump to stay competitive.

“Our service will become static and stifled,” Cornelius-Lemley Fire Chief Neal Smith said. "Members will continue to move away -- burnout will increase -- replacements will not arrive

Before the public budget hearing, the town manager told commissioners they would be able to provide the raise by decreasing funding in other areas.

The pay raise request comes amid controversy.

Cornelius mayor pro tem explains controversial comments recorded on video

Channel 9 obtained a recording of the town's mayor pro tem criticizing firefighters.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Miltich said he has reviewed the recording with the fire chief.

Miltich said he apologized and the chief accepted.

The budget will be approved by the end of the month.

Cox Media Group