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Greenwood firefighters press council to reinstate longevity pay amid 2026 budget debate
Summary
Union leaders representing Greenwood firefighters urged the Common Council to reinstate longevity pay and to reallocate $308,000 in existing funds during public comment; city officials said longevity would create a permanent budget obligation and the controller presented multi-year budget and staffing data.
Members of the Greenwood Fire Department and their union asked the Greenwood Common Council on Monday, Oct. 6, to reinstate longevity pay and to use about $308,000 from the current budget to retain experienced firefighters as the council considers the 2026 budget.
Nathan Paul, identified as president of Local 4252 Johnson County Professional Firefighters, told the council the department’s members are "disappointed" not only by a proposed 1% raise but by the absence of longevity pay. "Reimplementing longevity pay would have been a step in the right direction and a fair and proven way to reward commitment and retain talent," Paul said during the public-comment period.
Why it matters: Union leaders said losing experienced firefighters reduces mentorship and increases hiring costs and operational risk. The council is simultaneously considering a slate of 2026 budget and salary ordinances; decisions about recurring pay lines could create multi‑year obligations for the city.
Union and…
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