Council approves new eight-step pay scale, wage increases for fire rescue effective July 1, 2025

Le Mars City Council members voted to approve wage adjustments and a new stepped pay scale for fire rescue personnel, effective July 1, 2025.

The change replaces the prior three-step pay progression with eight steps. City staff presented figures showing the proposed starting base for firefighter-paramedics would rise from $20.74 under the old scale to about $21.08 under the new scale, and the new top step would reach $27.82 compared with the previous top of $23.40. Council members moved and seconded the motion; the council adopted it by voice vote.

Council discussion focused on how the new eight-step structure will raise wages over time and provide a larger pay spread to reward longevity. City staff said the change is designed to make the department more competitive for recruitment and retention; staff reported that the new top step, once reached, will be just above the statewide average while the starting pay will remain below the statewide average. The council recorded the motion as approved; a formal roll-call tally was not specified in the meeting record.

The council and staff also described existing volunteer and supplemental pay arrangements that will continue alongside the new full-time scale. According to staff, volunteer pay includes a typical call rate of $15.50 per hour for fire calls, a separate per-hour rate for volunteer ambulance transport, and shift pay for 12-hour shifts (examples given ranged from about $90 to $200 per shift depending on circumstances). Monthly stipends were reported for certain certifications and roles: hazardous-materials (hazmat) certification holders receive a $20 monthly stipend to maintain that certification, and officer roles such as captain and lieutenant receive monthly stipends. Staff described progression through the new full-time steps as based on years of service, annual performance reviews, and required additional training or certifications for higher steps (for example, fire inspection, investigation, or officer-level certifications).

The approved effective date for the pay changes is July 1, 2025. The motion on the wage adjustments was recorded in the meeting as “Motion approving wage adjustments and adjustments in a stepped pay scale for fire rescue personnel affected 07/01/2025.” The meeting record shows the motion received a second and the chair called for the ayes; the chair then said, “Motion carries.” The meeting transcript does not include a named mover, seconder, or a detailed vote tally.

Council members said they expect the step system to increase personnel costs over time and noted the long-term budget implications of permanent pay increases. Staff indicated the new scale is intended to help recruitment and retention while aligning with regional comparators.