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BAZETTA -- Township trustees said Tuesday the decision to approve a new three-year contract that increases firefighters' pay by about 4% each year took little discussion.
Trustee Chairman Michael Hovis, Vice Chairman Bob McBride, and Trustee Michael Morelli passed a resolution to approve an adjusted collective bargaining agreement between the township and Bazetta International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3703.
"We didn't spend any money on legal fees," Hovis said. "We just sat down and negotiated a contract in two sittings. It went perfectly, and we're lucky to have these trained professionals out here working every day."
Each side believed the firefighters deserved the wage and uniform allowance increases. Bazetta fire Chief Thomas Rink explained "They should get anything because they do a great job. The contract's fair for both sides. I think this will retain the employees we have, and attract some new ones. That was the goal, to keep the guys we have, and try to make it more attractive to bring others in."
The new contract is effective March 1 and will run through Feb. 28, 2027.
CONTRACT TERMS
Firefighters shall receive between $36.24 per hour for the assistant chief to $20.17 an hour for firefighter / EMT A-1 in the contract's first year.
In the second year, the assistant chief will get $37.69 per hour and a firefighter / EMT A-1 will get $20.97 per hour.
In the third year of the contract, the wages will increase to $39.20 for the assistant chief and $21.81 for firefighter / EMT A-1.
Separate clauses in the contract also mention the opportunity for incentives for part-time firefighters.
"Employees who work 1,000 hours or more in a calendar year shall receive $300 credit for uniforms," the department states.
"This will be issued when the bargaining unit employees receive uniform pay."
Additionally, "Employees who work less hours will receive a uniform credit for a shirt as deemed necessary by the chief based on hours worked in a year."
For withstanding a lengthy career within the department, a longevity incentive also states, "After completing five years of service with Bazetta Fire Department, the employee shall receive a longevity increase of 25 cents per hour."
All benefit and hospitalization clauses remain the same.