CLEVELAND, Ga. — Cleveland’s part-time firefighters will now receive time-and-a-half pay when working holidays, following action by the city council Monday night.
City Manager Kevin Harris said most of the city’s part-time firefighters are full-time firefighters elsewhere and often give up holidays with their families to work in Cleveland. “They’re giving up their holiday with their family and with their crew… so we’re asking that we pay time and a half for their base salary,” he told the council.
Elected officials’ compensation changes advance
The council also held its first public hearing on amendments to the Compensation of Elected Officials ordinance. The update defines what qualifies as a meeting and outlines reimbursement rules.
Earlier this year, the council approved salary adjustments of $600 per month for the mayor and $400 per month for council members, plus up to five meetings per month at $100 per diem. Harris said state law required the city to finalize those changes before this fall’s municipal election. The new salaries are expected to take effect in January after a second hearing and final vote.
Additional year-end approvals
Council members renewed workers’ compensation insurance, renewed firefighters’ cancer insurance coverage, updated the city’s procurement policy, and adopted the 2026 Rules of Decorum.
Recently elected council members Jeremy McClure and CJ McDonald will be sworn in on Friday, December 19, at 2 p.m.
