Agreed about all the help they can get but not funded by a "separate" tax.
If this succeeds, don't be surprised when all kinds of special interests decide they also need a "separate" tax.
I too have tons of cops & firemen in my family - my last name is McDonald afterall!
Thats my fear as well. I am all for giving more of the money we are already being taxed to Metro.
But this sets a dangerous precedent. I would bet Metro does not see all this tax money and chances are if they do then the county will take away some of the funds that they are currently allowed.
Then to top everything else off what you mention will become the norm. Firefighters will say they need more money and will require a special vote for a special tax.
I support cops and firemen. I think that tax money is being wasted in other areas that should go to these vital areas. But that being said I know firemen that will tell you they are grossly overpaid, especially when overtime is factored in.
They play games with days off by trading with other people. They have 6 days(24 hour shift) off, one on, one off, one on, one off, one on, then back to 6 days off. If they want 7 or 8 days off they call in (especially capts) and say so and so(another capt that is a buddy) will take my place. The other capt gets paid double time and then later on he returns the favor and he gets double time. They have a system and they abuse it. I am sure cops do the same thing.
A capt. in the fire department can make 120,000 grand just by working a few extra days, half of which are manipulated to make them double pay.
Then they have fantastic bennies for life plus a pension that is more then probaly 80% of people make a year. I think after 25 years in they are looking at 60+ grand a year or more.