West Haven council unanimously approves tentative contract with Allentown firefighters

The West Haven City Council voted unanimously April 13 to approve a tentative successor agreement with West Haven Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1198 covering a contract period retroactive to July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Council members brought the tentative agreement forward after a finance committee review that included testimony from Mayor Dorinda Bora, contract negotiators and Fire Chief Torenzo. Mayor Bora described the deal as “a very fair contract” that balances fair compensation for firefighters with taxpayer constraints and encouraged council approval.

Finance Committee Chairwoman Acarelli read the committee’s motion into the record and the council took a roll‑call vote. The motion authorizes the city to enter into the written agreement and directs Mayor Dorinda Bora to execute any related documents on the city’s behalf. The roll call recorded all members present voting in favor; the motion passed unanimously.

Committee discussion and questions clarified key terms: the agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2025, includes a one‑time retroactive wage payment covering a specified period, and sets minimum staffing at six personnel to meet NFPA standards, with the department able to flex to seven when budget allows. Chief Torenzo told council the six‑person minimum reflects National Fire Protection Association guidance and is intended to maintain response capability while limiting taxpayer impact.

Council members from multiple districts praised firefighters’ service and said the tentative agreement represented a compromise negotiated by city staff, union representatives and outside counsel. The council’s approval authorizes the mayor and city staff to finalize documents required to implement the agreement.

Next steps: the mayor is authorized to execute documents and the administration will implement the staffing and wage provisions according to the contract timetable.