Hernando County ratifies three‑year firefighters contract with 3% annual raises

County fire leadership and union representatives told the board Sept. 23 that negotiations with Hernando County Professional Firefighters (Local 3760) concluded successfully and that union membership ratified the agreement Sept. 17.

Fire Chief Paul Haas said negotiations began in March and included multiple sessions; the county’s recommendation was the three‑year contract term beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and running through Sept. 30, 2028. "Our recommendation is 10/01/2025 until 09/30/2028," Haas said. Chief Haas and labor representatives highlighted retention and recruitment as core goals of the agreement.

Union President Jason Haas thanked staff for negotiations and emphasized recruitment and retention as mutual priorities. Commissioners praised the work and approved the contract unanimously. "We appreciate the county staff and the union for working together on this," a commissioner said; the motion to ratify passed 5‑0.

The agreement includes pay adjustments and other negotiated elements described in the agenda packet; commissioners asked staff to continue monitoring staffing levels and state‑level mandates that affect fire operations.