Elko County fire board approves three-year labor agreement with IAFF Local 5046

The Elko County Board of Fire Commissioners voted to approve a three-year labor agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5046 covering fiscal years 2026, 2027 and 2028. The motion to approve was moved from the dais and adopted by voice vote after a brief public comment period and discussion among commissioners.

Staff summarized the deal as follows: "for fiscal year '26 is a 2% base wage increase plus covering the employees cost of the PERS increase," and then a 2.5% base wage increase for each of fiscal years '27 and '28. The presenter also noted several cleanup items in the labor agreement related to holiday observances and adjustments for 24-hour employees.

A commissioner asked whether the 2.5% base increase is dependent on inflation; staff replied that the percentage is the negotiated agreement with the association, and that the agreement contains a reopener in fiscal year '28 tied to the PERS actuarial valuation cycle. The presenter cautioned that the fire protection district is a separate legal entity from the county and that some positions depend on grant funding: "if that grant funding goes away, those positions go away," the presenter said, noting a mechanism to renegotiate if revenue conditions change.

Commissioners emphasized fiscal pressures outside wages, noting that recent PERS increases have been substantial. One commissioner summarized the balancing act: "it's about fairness and equity" and said the only reliable way to keep pace with roll-up costs such as PERS and workers' compensation is to grow the tax base through residential, economic or industry-driven growth.

The motion to approve the labor agreement was made by a commissioner from the dais and received a second (the transcript does not identify the seconding speaker by name). The board voted by voice and the chair announced, "That motion carries." The board proceeded to the consent agenda after the vote.