I am not saying they are under paid, however article in Times Daily was incomplete. I hate when media reports to stir things up rather than give complete info. what is the pay at other areas, how do we rate in cost of living, benefits, crime, fires. etc.
Second often there isn't a tax challenge however a spending challenge. Florence benefits from a buying population at least 5 times the population. Which means people not living in city limits are spending money here. Thus the city should have a surplus if the money is handled properly.
Then add in a domino effect, one town raises wages then the others raise wages, then it starts over again. Government employees get better benefits than private sector. Discussions should separate Fire and police.