After months of working overtime because of staffing shortages, Homewood firefighters are hoping to soon see some relief with the city approving raises for all city employees on September 22.
President of Homewood Firefighters Association Local 1288 Mark Robison said the department has lost 30 employees in the last two years, with many going to work for other cities in the area that pay more.
But, the city council approved a 5% cost of living adjustment for all city employees and they hope it will help with firefighter retention.
Homewood Firefighter Association President Mark Robison says right now, Homewood ranks 9th place out of the other departments in the county when it comes to employee pay, but with the new raises, they will now rank fifth place.