Title
Ratification of Amendment to the Agreement between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 2157, Professional Firefighters Bargaining Unit and the City of Gainesville for October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024 (B)
Summary
This item is to ratify amendments to the three year successor agreement between the City and the IAFF Professional Firefighters Bargaining Unit.
Explanation
The amendment to this Agreement was reached through negotiations between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 2157, Professional Firefighters Bargaining Unit and the City of Gainesville, and were ratified by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 2157, Professional Firefighters Bargaining Unit.
This amendment implements a tuition reimbursement program, in lieu of City Policy B-1 and specific to Paramedic School, and vests the Fire Chief with the ability to authorize prepayment of reimbursable costs associated with attending Paramedic School. The proposed program creates inherent benefits in efficiencies, scheduling, and employee retention or repayment for the City and department.
A copy of the amendment is on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Commission. After January 20, 2022, the amendment to the Agreement will be on file in the Human Resources Department.
Strategic Connection: This item is connected to Goal 5: Best in Class Neighbor Services; Objective 1: Maintain, hire, train and retain professional community builders dedicated to serving the Gainesville community; in the City’s Strategic Plan and is a high priority item.
Fiscal Note
The change may create cost oscillation between fiscal years, however, when viewed between two fiscal years will be mostly cost neutral. The immediate cost associated with the change to the Tuition Reimbursement article is $11,872.00. Moving forward, the change is expected to cost approximately $3,180.00 per year. Funding for the additional cost will be derived from the proposed FY23 budgeted payroll for GFR.
Recommendation
The City Commission ratify the amendment to the Agreement between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 2157, Professional Firefighters Bargaining Unit and the City of Gainesville, through September 30, 2024.