City, unions reach agreement on increases for cost of living

The city of Trotwood has reached an agreement with three of its unions on a costof-living increase for three years.

The fire, police and public works unions reached the agreement with the city to have a 6 percent cost of living allowance divided through three years. This starts Jan. 1 and runs to Dec. 31, 2021 and will involve a 2 percent increase each year.

“The city’s goal was to reach agreements with our unions that are fair and equitable to both our employees and the taxpayers of Trotwood,” said City Manager Quincy Pope Sr.

This agreements prevent arbitration. This will impact the city’s general fund over the next three years by about $105,820, and it will impact the core funds in the city’s overall budget by about $107,817.

“This is important to the fire department in the aspect of being able to offer competitive wages to our employees, by doing so it helps with employee retention,” said Fire Chief Richard Haacke.

The new agreement will help offset the cost of living that will continue to rise over the coming years for the employees, officials said.

“I’m very pleased that all parties are mutually satisfied,” said Mayor Mary A. McDonald. “It was a priority to be fair to our employees and taxpayers, while not compromising the quality of the services we provide to our citizens.

“The negotiations represent an unprecedented example of cooperation as a result of an amicable and professional relationship between the city and its workforce.”

A Harrison Twp. Fire Department veteran under investigation has been placed on leave.

Battalion Chief Sean McNeil was placed on paid leave Friday, Township Administrator Kris McClintick said Tuesday.

McClintick would not specify what prompted this action but said the township “became aware of anomalies.” The township has opened an administrative review and handed over information to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for review of any potential criminal violations, he said.

A sheriff’s investigator confirmed the department is reviewing material from Harrison Twp.

McNeil has worked for the township about 20 years. He declined comment as he reviews information about why he was placed on leave.

McClintick said trustees meet today to officially open or approve an administrative investigation and review McNeil’s leave status.