An ongoing dispute between Jefferson Parish officials and the firefighters' union over pay raises hit a tipping point Wednesday as both sides flung accusations of online harassment and intimidation, which council members say have "gotten too personal" against them and their families.

The Jefferson Parish Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to seek a public relations firm who could prepare an informational campaign regarding the East Bank Consolidated Fire Department's pay plan and the results of a recent 369-page pay study conducted by the parish, which affirmed that new firefighters are paid below market rate.

The move comes in anticipation of a possible millage increase that could go before voters in the future.

"The public paid for this report," Council member Arita Bohannan said. "The pub

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