In a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around the adoption of new salary allowances for local fire and police unions, reflecting ongoing efforts to address employee compensation and contract negotiations.

The council approved a salary increase for the fire department, represented by Local 1009 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), whose contract expired at the beginning of fiscal year 2024. The new agreement includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with a proposed 2% adjustment for fiscal year 2026. Additionally, a 1% market adjustment was negotiated, alongside stipends related to mandatory air consumption training for firefighters.

The police officials' union, known as 504, has been without a contract since fiscal year 2022. Their new agreement mirrors the COLA increases provided to other city employees, with a 2% adjustment planned for fiscal year 2026 and a 1% market adjustment. Notably, the police union will not pursue a stipend for body-worn cameras, a point of contention in previous negotiations. The contract also includes provisions for implementing GPS technology for officer safety.

Both contracts emphasize mental health support for public safety personnel, with the fire department's contract introducing a stipend for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) official. The city manager highlighted the importance of mental health resources, particularly in light of the challenges faced by first responders.

The council expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the administration and the unions, emphasizing the need to ensure fair compensation and support for city employees. The discussions also touched on the implementation of diversity training for public safety officials, with plans to engage both internal and external resources for training.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing employee welfare and public safety through strategic contract negotiations and support initiatives.