Council hears details of tentative IAFF fire contract, including step‑based pay and longer probation

Mark, a city staff presenter, outlined the tentative 2025–2027 IAFF labor contract and described a package of structural changes intended to align pay with training and operational needs. “One of the biggest changes is we've added a new step compensation system, that's built upon core competencies,” Mark said, noting the contract revises probationary periods to 12 months for new hires and promotions and adds a 40‑hour workweek scheduling option for non‑shift personnel.

Fire department officials explained why the contract adjusts EMS certification requirements and training supports. A fire department official said the contract changes EMS language to require an ALS certification on each shift rather than a paramedic specifically, citing the nationwide shortage of paramedic‑level clinicians and the city’s plan to fund advanced EMT training for staff. Council members asked about retroactivity for longevity pay and the sources used to set comparables; Mark said the proposed wages and benefits push the city closer to the regional average without providing exact dollar totals in the presentation. The item was informational and will be considered for formal action at a future meeting.