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Sunland Park approves 12% firefighter pay increase this year and 6% next year
Summary
Council approved a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the local firefighters' union that raises base pay 12% in the first year and 6% in the second; the mayor and fire chief said the changes support recruitment and retention and fit the adopted budget.
The Sunland Park City Council approved a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the local International Association of Firefighters bargaining unit that raises base pay 12% in the first year and 6% in the second fiscal year.
City Manager (S6) told the council negotiations had focused on narrowing a regional pay gap for public-safety staff and that the wage increases are included in the budget. Fire Chief Daniel Medrano (S13) summarized contract language changes and pay adjustments: "As the city manager mentioned, the first year represents a 12% increase across the board for base pay, and the second fiscal year ... would represent a 6% increase in base pay," he said. Medrano also described small non-cost language clarifications and a correction to a conversion factor for vacation/holiday hours between 40- and 56-hour schedules.
Medrano said the contract includes a PERA retirement-plan conversion for firefighters and a ladder-company staffing change to mandate three personnel for that truck. The chief estimated incremental incentive-pay language would cost the city "less than $10,000 a year." Cameron Crispin, secretary-treasurer of the local union, thanked councilors and said the increase will support retention and future growth of the department.
After brief council remarks praising first responders and confirming the effective dates (the 12% increase takes effect on signing and the 6% increase is scheduled for the following fiscal year), the council unanimously approved the agreement by roll call.
