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Commission approves firefighters' contract after public comment on pay and arbitration costs
Summary
The commission approved an agreement with Local 100 (IAFF) covering July 1, 2023–June 30, 2025, following public comment by fire personnel who said the department remains among the lowest‑paid and questioned legal fees charged to the fire fund; the contract was described as the result of mediation and passed unanimously.
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 10 to approve an agreement with Local 100, International Association of Fire Fighters, covering the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. County staff said the agreement resulted from mediation and arbitration and is now a binding contract.
Firefighters and a union representative addressed the commission during public comment, saying legal fees tied to the arbitration process exceeded roughly $100,000 and expressing frustration that the department remains among the lowest‑paid in Montana despite arbitration. One commenter said the department was "still currently the lowest paid hourly in the state of Montana" after arbitration increases.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns about pay and legal‑fee allocation but moved to approve the negotiated agreement. A commissioner urged the county to ensure final, signed documentation is provided to the commission and questioned draft language printed on the contract; staff said a final signed copy would be provided when available. The commission approved the agreement by unanimous vote.
Next steps: staff will provide finalized, signed contract documents for the public record and move forward with implementation per the agreement’s terms.
