Irondale Boosts First Responder Pay, Topping Jefferson County

0:00It's March 28th. You're listening to Birmingham News today, AI-powered local news. Irondale, Alabama, just made ways by boosting pay for their first responders, landing them as the highest paid in Jefferson County. City leaders approved a 2.8% wage hike back in February paired with killer benefits that seal the deal. Mayor James Stewart broke it down, pointing out how workers now cover just 6% of their health insurance costs. That tweak alone puts an extra $2,637 in their pockets each year. It took 6 years of steady pushes to climb from 8th place in the pack to number 1. Since Stewart took office, salaries have jumped 25% to 30% overall. The move was smart and ahead of the curve, tackling nationwide shortages in public safety jobs before they hit home. No major gaps yet, but they wanted top talent locked in. Now inquiries are rolling in from folks eyeing spots on the team, showing this package is already drawing heat to keep Irondale safe and strong.