Topic: cost of living

Local government puts beauty before protection

By Scott Beasley | July 18, 2008 |

For several years now I have noticed the subpar pay that the Clarksville Police and Firefighters have received. In the past, I have done little more than shake my head and think, “that’s pathetic”. Recently the local leaders of Clarksville approved a budget that again, kept the city employees from getting a cost of living increase. That’s understandable in a “tight” budget year. The problem is they haven’t gotten a cost of living raise in 10 years. Even the study conducted by the city found the city employees were underpaid by $1.8 million to comparable markets. The study also found that CPD officers were underpaid by $5,000.

Of the $9.4 million budgeted for capital projects, $4.2 million were mandated by a lawsuit to bring the sidewalks into ADA compliance. That leaves $5.2 million being spent on projects such as the marina, fountain and river walk. All of these amenities are very nice and many people around the community desperately want them. That being said, there’s a huge difference between wants and needs. «Read the rest of this article»

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