Public calls for public safety investments in Durham's next budget

Durham residents are pushing for more funding for two public safety priorities. You can see yard signs across the Bull City in support of higher pay for firefighters and an expansion of the HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams) program.

Both are in the budget being considered by the city council.

Leaders want to spend more than triple the availability of the city's team of unarmed first responders – HEART – to the entire city for 12 hours a day. That would require hiring 27 new employees.

The team would be available for 13,600 more calls per year – or about 10 percent of the calls to 911 – based on this year's call volume.

Community Safety Department Director Ryan Smith said the team has received an outpouring of support so far.

"When we're out in the community, my team will often comment on people honking their horn or making little heart signs, or saying, 'I was hoping it would be you,'" he said.

"I feel great joy and purpose in this work. It's the best thing I've ever done in my life. I think – I can't speak for (others) – I think that's a common feeling across the department of taking great joy and pride in what we've been able to do."

All sworn employees, who received market pay increases of 14 percent to 15 percent last year, will receive a 2 percent pay structure increase and a 5 percent step increase for a total of 7 percent.

Many who spoke at Monday night's city council meeting say that's not enough.

Durham firefighter Meredith Carter pointed out the pay gap between Durham and other area communities, telling the council, "I would make more money tomorrow as a recruit if I started at any of the following cities than Durham with four years of service: Knightdale $57,000, Apex $51,000, Wake Forest $50,000, Cary $48,000, Charlotte $48,000, Raleigh $46,000, Zebulon $46,000 ..."

Robert Gaddy, president of Durham Fraternal Order of Police, said, "Right now, the Durham Police Department is minus 146 officers. Six of the officers left last month. Five of them went to another agency."

Gaddy said adequate pay is not only about recruiting but about retaining staff. "While we're appreciative for the $300, and a 2 percent increase, that's not going to help retain folks."

Phil Wiggins, chaplain of the Durham FOP, said, "These officers don't want to leave. They want to stay in Durham and serve, but they can't afford to stay in Durham on the salaries they are making."

The Durham City Council is set to discuss the budget in a work session on Thursday ahead of a final vote on June 20.