Council hears first reading of firefighter contract; pay increases partly contingent on levy passage

The Circleville City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to implement a labor agreement between the City and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1232.

The ordinance matters because it sets wages, benefits and training rules for the city's fire personnel. Council members said the agreement was recommended by the finance committee and contains multiple changes to pay, leave and certification support.

Kendra Kinnell, the city's law director, told council members she provided an executive-summary "cheat sheet" before the finance committee hearing to highlight key changes without requiring members to read the redline text of the 30-page contract.

Katie Hedges, finance chair, gave an overview of terms the committee discussed. She said the contract provides an effective Jan. 1, 2025, equity adjustment of $1 per hour plus a 3% wage increase for 2025 and up to 3% additional increases for Jan. 1 of 2026 and 2027; the 2026 and 2027 reopeners for wages are contingent on levy passage. "Effective January first of 2025, it includes a $1 equity adjustment plus a 3% increase," Hedges said. Hedges also described nonwage changes: the city will provide an annual reimbursement up to $250 for a physical-fitness incentive, Juneteenth is added as a recognized holiday, longevity payments increase from $70 to $85 per year (after five years), uniform allowance increases from $700 to $900 annually, and gym/fitness reimbursement doubles from $150 to $300.

The agreement adjusts sick/vacation accruals: employees may now accumulate up to 168 hours of time versus the prior 144-hour cap. The city will cover the cost of one paramedic course and examination prior to enrollment; a staggered reimbursement requirement applies if an employee separates from employment within three years of certification.

Council members noted a lack of in-person representation from the fire department at the meeting. Hedges referenced recent social-media posts by some firefighters expressing dissatisfaction with administration decisions related to staffing reductions; she reminded council that the staffing changes followed three failed safety levies and that the levy results affected the city's fiscal options.

Because the meeting occurred with two absences, council could not suspend the rules for immediate final passage; the ordinance was moved to a second reading. The motion to hold the ordinance for a second reading was made by Katie Hedges and seconded by Tom Duvall; the motion carried on roll call.