Kellnersville board ties five-year fire-department increase to shared revenue, approves 10% split

The Village of Kellnersville on Feb. 9 approved a five-year framework tying the Kellnersville Fire Department's annual pay increase to a percentage of the village's change in shared revenue, with the board setting the department's share at 10% of any increase beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The action came after the board discussed an option under which the fire department would receive an increase proportional to whatever percentage change the village receives in state shared revenue. The village estimated shared revenue for 2026 at $114,056.50, a $3,750.27 (3.4%) rise from 2025's $110,306.23. Board members noted that the department had requested a larger year-to-year increase to cover rising costs.

Trustee Scott Totten moved to set the department's increase at 10% of the village's shared revenue gain, for a five-year contract beginning Jan. 1, 2027; Trustee Theresa Shimek seconded the motion and the board voted "all in favor; motion carried unanimously." An earlier motion to set the increase at 8% had been rescinded during the same discussion. The board directed staff to draft a new five-year contract and forward it to the fire department for review and approval.

Why it matters: The new formula ties department funding to the village's fiscal fortunes rather than a fixed dollar amount, creating a predictable, proportional revenue stream for the department but leaving the overall funding level dependent on future shared-revenue calculations.

What happens next: The draft five-year contract will be prepared and provided to the Kellnersville Fire Department for review. The motion recorded in the minutes indicates unanimous board agreement at the meeting.