Committee reviews volunteer MOA with MCVFRA; LOSAP and new medical screenings included

County staff and volunteer negotiators presented a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) that would take effect July 1, 2026 and run through June 30, 2029. Ms. Willans said the MOA was received from the county executive on May 1 and that associated legislation will be introduced shortly so the council can consider LOSAP and other statutory changes.

Key fiscal and program items in the MOA include a roughly 2.5% increase in association funding with an FY27 impact in the range of $8,000–$9,000, a modest increase to volunteer nominal fees plus a supplemental nominal fee tied to participation criteria, a new Public Safety Training Academy course with an estimated $50,000 fiscal impact, and reimbursements for certain medical screenings (active volunteers eligible for ultrasound testing reimbursement every 36 months and up to $800 for a multicancer early detection blood test once every 10 years). Chief Bridal, the MCVFRA chief negotiator, described the negotiations as highly collaborative and noted additional protections and benefits for volunteers, including medical screening parity and return‑of‑issued turnout gear to reduce replacement costs.

Staff told the committee the FY27 budget as presented can accommodate the MOA’s FY27 fiscal impacts if the council adopts the implementing legislation; Ms. Willans asked permission to update the MOA draft language to reflect receipt of proposed legislation. The committee expressed appreciation for the collaborative bargaining process, indicated support for the MOA terms, and expects the enabling legislation to follow in short order.