Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Circleville council adopts new labor agreement with firefighters including multi-year wage increases tied to safety levy
Summary
The council passed an ordinance implementing a labor agreement between the City of Circleville and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1232 that includes immediate and conditional multi-year wage increases and updates to benefits and certification funding.
The Circleville City Council on April 3 adopted an ordinance authorizing a labor agreement between the City and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1232, recording immediate and conditional changes to wages and benefits.
The council recorded the agreement as an emergency ordinance (assigned 4332025). Councilmember Katie Hedges, speaking for finance, summarized terms including a wage equity adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2025, and 3% wage increases effective Jan. 1, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027. The increases scheduled for 2026 and 2027 are contingent on passage of a safety levy, a contingency explicitly noted during discussion.
Nut graf: Why it matters
The agreement changes personnel costs and benefit structure for the city’s fire department and may affect future levy planning because two scheduled raises are contingent on passage of a safety levy. It also clarifies city-paid certification and reimbursement structure that may affect staffing and recruitment.
Key provisions summarized at the meeting
- Immediate wage equity adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2025, plus a 3% increase on Jan. 1, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027 (the 2026 and 2027 increases require passage of a safety levy). (Summary by Katie Hedges.)
- Annual reimbursement up to $250 for a physical fitness incentive.
- Juneteenth added as a recognized holiday.
- Conversion payment date changed from Dec. 1 to Nov. 1.
- Longevity payment increased from $70 to $85 per year after five years of continuous service.
- Uniform allowance increased from $700 to $900 annually.
- Gym/fitness membership reimbursement broadened beyond a single provider and increased from $150 to $300.
- Compensatory time accrual cap increased to 168 hours (from 144 hours).
- Paramedic certification: the city will cover the cost of one paramedic course and examination prior to enrollment; a scaled reimbursement applies if an employee separates within three years.
Council action and next steps
Finance committee recommended passage. Council voted to suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance during the April 3 meeting. Motion for passage by Katie Hedges, seconded by John Moats; roll-call recorded as in favor and the ordinance passed and was assigned 4332025.
Why the council emphasized the contingency
Councilmembers and finance staff noted the wage increases scheduled for 2026 and 2027 are conditioned on a successful safety levy; the council did not assert levy passage and framed the increases as contingent elements that would take effect only if voters approve the levy.
Attribution
Councilmember Katie Hedges presented the summary of the collective bargaining agreement; police/fire representatives in attendance were acknowledged. The council thanked department representatives for attending.
