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Grants Pass council approves 4% pay increase for firefighters
Summary
The Grants Pass City Council authorized a 4% salary increase for members of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3564, effective Jan. 1, 2026; staff estimated a six-month fiscal impact of $107,251 and councilors flagged long-term budget pressures from compounding step increases.
The Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously Sept. 17 to authorize the city manager to enter a salary adjustment with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3564 that raises the firefighters' salary schedule by 4%.
City staff presented the agreement as a wage-only settlement. Aaron, the staff presenter, said the change applies to the existing salary schedule and estimated the six-month budget impact at $107,251. "The current labor contract with the IAFF permitted a wage opener for this year," Aaron said, adding that the 4% adjustment is what the city and union agreed to within council parameters.
Councilors asked for operational and budget details. Rick asked how many positions the change covered; Aaron responded it applied to 28 positions. When asked about timing, staff confirmed the increase will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Aaron explained the six-month figure reflects the difference between the calendar-year wage settlement and the city's fiscal-year budget cycle.
Several councilors expressed support while warning about long-term costs. Councilor Joel said he would vote yes but cautioned that compounded step increases plus inflation can accelerate wage growth over time, saying the combination could double wages in about seven years under certain assumptions.
Councilor Joel moved to approve the resolution authorizing the city manager to enter the salary adjustment; Kathleen seconded. The council took a roll-call vote with all members voting yes, and the motion passed.
The next fiscal implications will appear in the city budget process: staff estimated the annualized cost roughly doubles the six-month figure and asked council to consider personnel costs as part of next year’s budget planning.
