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Marion County approves new firefighter contracts raising starting pay up to $75,000
Summary
Marion County commissioners unanimously approved two collective bargaining agreements with IAFF Local 3169 designed to boost recruitment and retention, including a short-term pay adjustment and a phased shift-schedule change. The board and union hailed the accords as an investment in firefighter health, wellness and long-term staffing.
Marion County commissioners on a voice vote ratified two collective bargaining agreements with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3169 that county administrators said will significantly raise pay and help stabilize staffing.
Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tartt told the board the agreements are the product of months of negotiation and aimed at improving recruitment, retention and firefighter wellness. "These agreements are the results of many months of negotiations that began in June 2025," Tartt said, adding the county has prioritized pay and staffing over multiple contract cycles.
Under the short agreement (agenda item 9.1), effective June 20, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026, the county will increase base pay by $20,000 for each employee covered by the contract; staff said that change raises starting pay to roughly $65,000 for firefighter-EMTs and $75,000 for firefighter-paramedics. Tartt said the short three-month contract was designed to align pay schedules with the county fiscal year.
Fire Chief James Bana described the contracts as an "investment in our people," saying the changes will reduce mandatory overtime and improve long-term health and wellness. "This agreement is an investment in our people and the future of Marion County Fire Rescue," Bana said, listing recruitment and reduced occupational stress among the expected benefits.
Roland Boyd, president of Local 3169, thanked county leaders and negotiators for the outcome and said it represented meaningful progress for frontline personnel. "Speaking on behalf of the EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, we appreciate the long hours and all the time and effort you have given to get this contract completed," Boyd said in public comment.
Commissioners praised staff and union negotiators. Commissioner Curry credited voter approval of a local sales-tax measure for enabling investments in public safety; the board also noted that sales-tax revenues are constrained from paying salaries directly but have enabled capital flexibility that freed other funds for compensation.
The board voted to approve item 9.1 on a motion by Commissioner McLean, seconded by Commissioner Curry, and approved item 9.2 (the longer-term agreement that phases in a 24/72 shift schedule by Sept. 30, 2029) on a motion by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Curry. Both motions passed unanimously.
What’s next: The short contract takes effect in June 2026; the longer agreement sets an implementation timeline through 2029 for the shift schedule and contains additional staffing and operational provisions. The board and administration said they would return to the commission with routine implementation details and monitoring as the agreements are put into effect.
