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County, IAFF Local 1605 ratify two‑year memorandum on pay and turnout gear; commissioners approve MOU
Summary
Washington County and IAFF Local 1605 reached a two‑year memorandum of understanding beginning July 1, 2025; the agreement includes wage adjustments, PPE provisions (including new structural turnout gear), and a labor‑management committee. Commissioners approved the MOU unanimously.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with IAFF Local 1605 covering the county’s career firefighter employees. County counsel and emergency‑services leadership presented the agreement and said the IAFF membership ratified the MOU.
The MOU, which the county described as a two‑year agreement beginning July 1, 2025, includes wage adjustments, the creation of a nonbinding labor‑management committee, and provisions related to personal protective equipment. Director David Hughes and IAFF representatives said the agreement also outlines structural turnout‑gear provisions for career staff; the county estimated the cost for a full complement of new turnout gear at about $220,000 total (roughly $6,000–$7,000 per firefighter for a full set).
IAFF Vice President Bill Woods (a union captain) told the board the negotiation was constructive, that both sides made practical compromises and that the union was satisfied with the outcome. Commissioners praised the cooperative process, thanked union leaders and staff for prioritizing public safety, and suggested continued emphasis on mental health services for first responders.
The board voted to approve the MOU (5‑0). Commissioners asked staff to consider broader mental‑health resources for first responders in future planning; no additional appropriation was made at this meeting for mental‑health services.
After the vote the board signed the agreement during the meeting.
Meeting materials included the MOU text placed in the meeting packet; the agreement was presented by county counsel and the emergency‑services director.
