Hollywood approves $5.4 million fire contract

HOLLYWOOD — The city’s 206 firefighters are in line for raises over the next three years under a $5.4 million contract approved by city commissioners this week.

“It’s a great day for Hollywood,” Commissioner Patty Asseff said after the contact won unanimous approval. “We’re back on the right step.”

The contract, which runs from October 2014 through September 2017, won praise from fire union president Capt. Bill Huddleston as going a long way to restoring wages and boosting morale.

“It’s been a long negotiation process,” he told commissioners Wednesday. “I believe we are on a positive track.”

Four years ago, Hollywood slashed the pay of firefighters, police and other employees after declaring financial urgency in the face of a $38 million budget gap.

The agreement approved this week helps make Hollywood competitive with surrounding departments, Huddleston said.

The salary hikes will cost $2.6 million over the course of the contract, with $1.5 million allocated for cost-ofliving increases and $1.1 million for step increases. Additional costs of $2.5 million account for the rest of the contract.

In an effort to restore wages, Hollywood approved a contract in 2013 that boosted the starting pay of its firefighters from $32,884 to $46,305.

The new contract hikes starting pay to $48,884, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2014. On Oct. 1, 2015, the starting pay will increase to $50,106. And the following year, starting pay will increase to $51,359.

Hollywood’s firefighters might get an extra 0.5 percent raise in two years if the pension fund is doing well.

“Is it a lot of money?” Commissioner Dick Blattner said. “Of course not. If they’re making $100,000, it’s $500. It’s like a Christmas bonus and it helps the effort to decrease the unfunded liability.”

In addition, the contract allows firefighters to retire after 25 years of service, regardless of age. Previously, Hollywood firefighters were required to reach age 52 before entering retirement.

Huddleston said the contract addresses three key issues: wages, retirement age and workload.

“There is no debating that your fire department is a training ground right now,” he said. “We have had 27 firefighters since 2011 take their talents to another city after we’ve trained them. I’m hoping this [contract] is going to stem the tide.”