County staff presented the fiscal impacts Nov. 15 of tentative agreements reached with the Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (IAFF Local 2800) and the Arlington Coalition of Police. The combined fiscal impact for fiscal 2027 was estimated at about $10.6 million, equivalent to roughly 1.22¢ on the county tax rate if not shared with Arlington Public Schools.

Staff said the police agreement would raise average salaries by about 11.4% and substantially increase the starting salary (to about $90,000), while the fire agreement averaged about a 10.7% salary increase to bring firefighters closer to market. County negotiators said both agreements had been ratified by the unions and that the board would consider funding options next month.

Brian Lynch, representing IAFF Local 2800, told the board the agreement helps close a regional pay gap for firefighters, was ratified by members and would support recruiting and retention. Lynch asked the board to fund the agreement to strengthen public-safety staffing.

Board members questioned vacancy rates (police funded at 338 positions with ~265 on duty currently), overtime costs and funding alternatives. Staff outlined three funding pathways discussed in the materials: modest tax-rate increases (each agreement close to 0.6¢), finding savings across county programs (an equivalent of roughly 35 funded positions for each agreement), or using reserves and one-time funds.

Chair Carantones moved to close the public hearing on the collective-bargaining items and carry full deliberation and any funding decision to the December meeting; the motion passed unanimously. No appropriation or formal funding decision was taken Nov. 15.

Board members and staff said filling vacancies could reduce overtime pressure over time, but also warned that wage adjustments are a recurring cost and will factor into FY27 budget planning.