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| Galesburg Firefighter Contract Approved |
There wasn't a lot of discussion by aldermen, but the Galesburg City Council did agree with the terms that been worked out for a contract with its firefighters union.
The City Council Monday night voted 7-1 to approve the contract with Firefighters Union Local 555. It's a three-year deal that includes 3.25% pay raises, but replaces retiree health insurance coverage for any new hires with a health savings plan the city will contribute to.
While he's overall happy with the deal that's been reached, Local 555 president Eric Hazlett says he wouldn't mind seeing that health insurance picture change in the future.
"There was some concern about retirement for future employees," Hazlett told aldermen. "We're hoping that, in the future -- I have a bright outlook for Galesburg -- I hope that, in the future, as we get through this economic times, that maybe additional money can get put into that for those employees in the future."
City Manager Dane Bragg says firefighters will also have to pay $40 a month for individual health insurance under the new deal -- something that hasn't been done before. He says there were also minor changes in the scoring system for firefighters seeking a promotion.
The lone no vote came from Third Ward Alderman Russell Fleming, who said in part he didn't like the amount of the raises being given.
Aldermen Monday night also heard from 15 different local agencies seeking a combined $105,000 in city contributions in the coming year's budget. The city's however, is looking at ways to fund half of that, but aldermen will discuss the issue at a future meeting. |
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| 11 17 09 by Newsroom |
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