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Pasco ratifies 2026 IAFF Local 1433 contract with 3% wage increase and health plan changes
Summary
The Pasco City Council ratified a one‑year contract for IAFF Local 1433 that provides a 3% base wage increase for 2026, a $110 monthly city contribution to a health reimbursement account and clarified medical coverage language to limit out‑of‑network exposure.
The Pasco City Council unanimously ratified resolution 4669 adopting the 2026 collective bargaining agreement between the city and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1433.
Director Sarah Madsen summarized the agreement’s key elements: a 3% base wage increase effective Jan. 1, 2026; a $110 monthly city contribution to an employee Health Reimbursement Account (HRA); revised vacation and sick‑leave cash‑out provisions; and a clarified medical article (19.1) aligning coverage with the plan summary to limit the city’s prior exposure to full payment of out‑of‑network claims. Madsen said the contract correction to article 19.1 reduced a fiscal risk that had left the city potentially liable for unlimited out‑of‑network claim costs. She said the 2026 fiscal impact was estimated at approximately $1,277,000, representing a 9.21% increase in fire department labor costs for 2026.
Pat Heron, president of IAFF Local 1433, thanked city negotiators and described the agreement as balanced: "This is the most equal. We've always been taken care of; we feel like this one was pretty 50‑50." Council members thanked fire department representatives for public service. The council approved the resolution by unanimous vote; staff noted they will bring mid‑biennium budget adjustments to account for the additional costs.
Ending: The contract sets 2026 compensation and benefits for IAFF Local 1433 members and clarifies medical coverage language to align plan administration with the city’s summary plan description.
