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West Sacramento council ratifies firefighterscontract, approves related budget amendment funded by Measure O
Summary
The City Council approved a successor memorandum of understanding with the West Sacramento Firefighters Association and adopted a budget amendment to fund the economic terms tied to Measure O revenue, after union leaders and city officials called the agreement a step toward rebuilding the departments.
The West Sacramento City Council on June 18 approved a successor memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the West Sacramento Firefighters Association and adopted a fiscal-year budget amendment tied to the MOU, moving Measure O funding toward public-safety staffing and operations.
The agreement and associated budget changes were presented by association leaders at the council meeting. "With the ratification of this contract, the city is reinvesting in its fire department. So, I couldn't be happier," said Greg Fonts, vice president, Local 522.
Why this matters: The contract and the budget amendment implement priorities the council set after voters passed Measure O in March. Council members and union leaders framed the changes as restoring staffing, pay and benefits after years of lean budgets and as a step to make West Sacramento a competitive, "destination" fire agency for recruits.
Council and union remarks: Miguel Tamarano, president of the West Sacramento Firefighters Association, introduced the association's delegation and described the group's role in negotiations. "I've been a firefighter with the department for about 20 years," Tamarano said, urging council to approve the deal. Anil Khan, association treasurer, said morale at the department "is at its peak right now and hope that it continues." City leaders including Mayor Guerrero, Council members and the city manager praised the union's advocacy and cited Measure O as the revenue source that made the newly negotiated pay, staffing and benefit improvements possible.
What the agreement does: The adopted documents update economic terms for firefighters and authorize related budget amendments for FY 2025-26. Council included the MOU adoption and a resolution (25-73) amending the FY25-26 budget to reflect Measure O allocations for public safety and other priorities. The contract and budget amendment include increases in pay and additional staffing and benefit changes identified during negotiations and described in public remarks by union leaders and staff.
Process and vote: The MOU and the companion budget amendments were included on the consent list and advanced to adoption. The council approved the consent calendar (which included item 20) by roll call vote during the meeting; the clerk recorded the roll call as: Council member Ocala — Aye; Council member Early — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Sulpizio Hall — Aye; Mayor Guerrero — Aye. The item was approved as presented.
Next steps: City staff will implement the contract provisions and adjust payroll and budget bookkeeping as required. Union leaders said recruitment and training efforts are already underway to staff added positions funded by Measure O, and the city and union expect further staffing and operational adjustments in the months ahead.
