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Grants Pass council approves 4% pay boost for firefighters; action takes effect Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously Sept. 17 to authorize a salary-only contract adjustment with the International Association of Firefighters Local 3564 that increases each step on the department's pay schedule by 4 percent; six-month fiscal impact is $107,251.
The Grants Pass City Council on Sept. 17 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a salary-only agreement with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3564 that raises each step of the firefighters' salary schedule by 4 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
City staff presented the agreement to the council as a wage-only opener negotiated under council parameters. "There really is one main thing because it was only salary only," said Aaron, a city staff member, explaining the proposal and the estimated fiscal effects. Councilors were told the six-month cost to the current fiscal year is $107,251; the annualized impact is roughly $216,000. The salary adjustment covers the city's current staffing levels and the contract does not include the six additional positions that are not yet on the books.
The item drew discussion about long-term budget effects. Councilor Joel said the combination of annual step increases and recurring cost-of-living changes could compound over time and materially increase the city's payroll obligations. "If the step increase adds, let's say, on the average 5 percent, let's say inflation on the average is 5 percent, that's 10 percent a year that wages increase... if you compound at 10 percent over seven years, your salary doubles," Joel said. Councilors Joel, Indra and Eric all said they would vote for the adjustment while noting fiscal sustainability concerns.
Councilor Clint moved to approve the resolution; Councilor Kathleen seconded. The council voted by roll call: Rick, Kathleen, Rob, Victoria, Eric, Joel and Indra voted yes. The motion passed unanimously.
The resolution authorizes the city manager to finalize and sign the agreement with the IAFF local; the effective date in the contract language is Jan. 1, 2026. Staff provided the council with the packet salary schedules used to calculate the step adjustments and the city's estimate of positions affected (28 positions were cited in the staff presentation). The council did not change the proposed language on compensation; the action is limited in the contract to salary schedule adjustment only.
Councilors and staff repeatedly framed the vote as approving a negotiated, salary-only settlement within council policy parameters and not as opening other terms of the labor contract. Several members urged continued attention to long-term personnel budget planning.
Votes at a glance: Resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a salary adjustment with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3564 — Passed 7-0 by roll call.
The council moved on to other agenda items once the resolution passed.
