Fiscal Note
The proposed agreement, spanning from January 2016 through December 2017, includes the following components: (1) planned pay increases, (2) modifications to health insurance, (3) changes to the vacation sell-back program and allowance for clothing assistance, (4) changes to premium pay for work performed on Sundays, and (5) legal protections for members.
Wages
Under the proposed contract AMPS members will receive a 1% pay increase in the final pay period of 2016, a 2% increase in the first pay period of July 2017, and 1% in the final pay period of 2017. The projected impact in 2018 over 2017 is $40,455, this increase has been reflected in the Fire Department’s 2018 base budget.
Health Insurance
The proposed contract will reduce the City’s contribution for health insurance from 105% of the low cost premium to 100% of the lowest cost premium beginning in January 2017. Currently the majority of AMPS membership is enrolled in a health insurance plan below the average. Savings resulting from plan design change will only be realized for those members in plans that are above the average and is expected to be minimal. No savings from this change has been reflected in the budget.
Vacation Sell Back & Clothing Allowance
The proposed agreement formalizes the process and amount of vacation that can be sold back by members. Upon announcing a retirement year, members can sell backup to 84 hours of vacation to straight time compensation while in the last 3 years of service. Allowing for vacation sell back increases the City’s exposure for leave payouts at the time of retirement.
The new contract also includes an escalator in the clothing allowance amounts provided to members. Under the proposed contract the amount members receive will increase at the same rate of wages. The projected impact of this change is minimal and will be absorbed within the Fire Department’s base budget.
Legal Protections
The new contract also provides legal protections for members invol...
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