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CORTLAND -- City council on Monday gave first reading to increase the pay for part-time firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
Fire Chief David Rea said he would like to have the pay adjustments in place before the end of the year. He said he hopes the pay adjustments will help attract more employees, as well as keep current staff.
"I do not want to lose any more employees," he said.
The ordinance states that on the first pay cycle in 2025, the pay for part-time firefighter / EMT Basic is $18 per hour; part-time firefighter / paramedic is $20 per hour; and part-time fire inspector is $20 per hour.
In 2026, the pay for part-time firefighter / EMT basic goes to $19 per hour; part-time firefighter / paramedic rises to $21 per hour; and part-time fire inspector increases to $21 per hour.
In 2027, the pay for all three positions increases by another $1 per hour.
The contract also states that part-time firefighter / EMT and a part-time firefighter / paramedic shall be paid double time for working on holidays.
Also, Mayor Dedrie Petrosky said she is traveling this week to Washington, D.C., to see about securing funds for the $3.5 million safety service complex. She said she and other officials will see what funds are available next year or in the near future.
In other business, council:
• Approved the transfer of property at 267 W. Main St. and 269 W. Main St. from Trumbull County Land Reutilization (land bank) to the city. The city paid $9,926 for the demolition of two structures. Officials said the transfer will take four to eight weeks.
• Gave first reading to pay the annual renewal of $6,814.41 to Lexipol enforcement policy manual and its daily training bulletins for the police department.
• Announced the sled hill in East Lake Park is open, weather permitting.
• Approved a credit card account to be established to get items from Harbor Freight. Service Director Kim Blasco said she can get discounts on many items the city needs.
• Heard from Petrosky that residents and business owners are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks on their properties.
• Heard from police Chief David Morris the police budget is being reviewed before the purchase of new cruisers. He said two cruisers were being ordered, but since the levy failed Nov. 5, only one vehicle would be purchased with $3,500 saved through a state contract. Council members said they can give final suspended reading on the ordinance at the Dec. 16 meeting.