 |  | 5919 MAIN STREET . NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652 . 727.853.1016 |
| TO: | City of New Port Richey City Council | | FROM: | Debbie L. Manns, City Manager | | DATE: | 2/21/2023 | | RE: | Memorandum of Agreement w/IAFF, Local 1158 RE: COLA and Rental Inspection Program |
REQUEST:
The request is twofold. First, the request is to authorize a COLA increase for Fire Department personnel that are currently covered members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1158 in the amount of 4.5% retroactive to October 1, 2022. Secondly, the request is to remove Article 9, Section 8 of the Labor Agreement which pertains to the administration of the Rental Inspection Program.
DISCUSSION:
For some time now discussions have been occurring between the City and the IAFF, Local 1158 regarding several issues in respect to a proposed salary increase for the FY 22-23. The first matter related to the fact that the union was not interested in continuing to receive salary adjustments subject to a pay for performance plan. Their preference was to receive a flat COLA increase. After considerable discussion an offer of 4.5% of base salary was offered and a subsequent Memorandum of Understanding was executed on January 10, 2023 with both parties tentatively supporting the proposal subject to ratification.
In relationship to another matter, I have decided to relocate the rental inspection program from the fire department where it is administered on an overtime basis by fire personnel to the ordinance division where it can be administered by trained ordinance professionals on a straight time basis. In order to do so Article 9, Section 8 of the Labor Agreement needs to be deleted. In addition to managing the program on a straight time basis there are several other administrative efficiencies associated with transferring the program responsibilities.
The membership of IAFF, Local 1158 conducted a vote on January 26, 2023 and voted in favor of ratifying the agreement as proposed.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that you approve a COLA based increase of salary in the amount of 4.5% for all covered members of the I.A.F.F. Local 1158 Bargaining Unit retroactive to October 1, 2022.
Additionally, it is recommended that Article 9, Section 8 of the Labor Agreement be deleted, and Fire Department employees will no longer be eligible to participate in the city’s Rental Inspection Program.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost associated with the annual increase in salary is a budgeted expenditure and therefore was included in the FY 22-23 General Fund Budget.
The rental rehabilitation program is administered by fire department personnel on an overtime basis and as a result the transfer of the program to the ordinance division on a straight time basis will represent a savings to the city. | | | |