May 21. By Dave Vieser. More than two dozen firefighters, residents and TV reporters turned out tonight for the first public hearing on the proposed $23.4 million town budget.

But even before the attendees had a chance to speak, town officials unveiled a revised budget which includes funds for a $2 an hour increase. The same budget amendment also reduced the amount of money to be use for the Exit 28 aesthetic improvements from $1.39 million to $1.1 million, with the new found $290,000 to be used for costs such as more pay for firefighters.

Fire Chief Neal Smith asked for a $2 an hour pay increase to $15 an hour for firefighters. It would cost about $120,000 a year in a $23.4 million municipal budget.

Resident ​​Michelle Ferlauto said nickel-and-diming the force is insulting to them and the community. “i am so disappointed in two of our commissioners conduct” around the pay issue, she said, referring to Dave Gilroy and Dr. Michael Miltich. Both expressed concerns about pay raises for firefighters. Miltich was caught on tape being critical of more pay for firefighters.

The hue and cry over the budget and firefighter pay began when budget hawk Gilroy said $2 an hour more was too much in light of the growth of the fire department budget vis a vis the population growth.

Commissioner Denis Bilodeau said he has been in favor of the Chief’s request for $2 from the start of the budget process.

“The case for an increase is compelling when you consider the statewide average pay and excellent performance of our firefighters. There should never have been a debate,” he said.

​The official town budget must be approved in time for the beginning of the 2018-19 Fiscal Year July 1. It is expected to be approved with relatively little modification during the first meeting in June.

If that’s the case, the local property tax on a $250,000 house would remain at $637 a year. Thing is, some jobs like firefighting and teaching don’t pay enough to buy a $250,000 house.

Some of the firefighters in Cornelius who work on a part-time basis are also full-time firefighters in Charlotte or Concord. They receive their benefits through their full-time jobs, not Cornelius.