Committee approves three-year successor agreement with IAFF Local 257, including wage increases and benefit changes

The Human Resources and Information Technology Committee on Aug. 13 approved a three-year successor labor agreement with IAFF Local 257 covering calendar years 2026 through 2028 by a 4-0 vote.

The agreement, which committee members were told was negotiated and ratified by the union membership in July, establishes wage increases of 3% on April 1, 2026; 3% on April 1, 2027; and 2.5% on April 1, 2028. “The increases are 3%, 3%, and 2 and a half,” Director Ratchett said when summarizing the proposal.

Why it matters: the contract affects firefighter pay, specialty pay administration, promotion and seniority rules, paid time off and sick-leave accruals, and creates new EMS coordinator assignments that the city said are aimed at improving medical operations.

Key provisions and committee discussion

Wages and overall compensation — Director Ratchett told the committee the city reviewed municipal comparables and total compensation elements such as health insurance before settling on the three increases. The city’s finance summary presented during the discussion estimated the April 2026 wage increase would add roughly $159,991 to the city’s payroll from April through the end of the year and about $213,322 on a full 12‑month basis, based on current staffing and step placement.

Specialty pay — Longstanding specialty-pay stipends (for hazmat, technical rescue, swift water,…