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Council ratifies 15‑month firefighters successor MOU with raises, bilingual pay increase
Summary
Council adopted a successor memorandum of understanding with IAFF Local 522 covering 27 employees, approving a 3% wage increase on adoption, a 2% increase in January 2027, a bilingual pay increase and elimination of a 2.5% out‑of‑class premium; the 15‑month cost is estimated at roughly $190,000.
Veronica, a city staff representative, recommended that the City Council adopt a successor memorandum of understanding with the International Association of Firefighters Local 522, covering 27 positions including captains, engineers and firefighters. "A tentative agreement was reached on February 16, and this has been ratified by both parties," Veronica said.
Key provisions: Veronica told the council the agreement provides a 3% wage increase effective after council adoption and an additional 2% increase effective January 2027. Bilingual pay for certified employees will rise from $75 to $100 per month, and the contract removes a 2.5% out-of-class premium that the firefighters had been receiving after certain hours, a change the city said will reduce long‑term cost exposure.
Fiscal impact and council action: Veronica estimated the total fiscal impact at about $190,000 over the 15‑month term and $32,000 for the current fiscal year, which staff said can be absorbed within the fire department's existing budget. Council members moved, seconded and unanimously adopted the resolution approving the successor MOU and salary schedules.
Why it matters: The agreement seeks incremental market alignment for firefighter classifications and removes a premium that the city said represented long‑term cost exposure. Staff characterized the changes as consistent with the council’s direction during negotiations and fiscally responsible within current budgets.
Next steps: The adopted agreement takes effect as described; staff will implement the new pay schedules and adjust budgets as needed under normal budget amendment processes if litigation or other unexpected costs arise.
