A proposed change in the way Cobb County’s public safety officials are compensated has come under criticism from police and fire fighter representatives.
Under the so-called “step and grade” table presented to county commissioners earlier this month, public safety employees would receive a 3-percent “step” increase each year. One sticking point is that the annual raises would not be automatic— they would only be paid if the commission approves them each year as part of the budget.The “grade” part of the plan would increase entry-level salaries by 9 percent, to $45,775 from $41,615, and double the salary increase for a promotion from lieutenant to captain — to 20 percent from 10 percent.