Elgin firefighters gain pay raises in four-year deal

Elgin firefighters are making more money than they were a year ago.

But they'll also be paying a larger percentage of health insurance premiums under the terms of a new, four-year contract with the city.

The contract replaces the old, three-year agreement that expired last Dec. 31.

"This is the first four-year contract we've had in a while to my knowledge," said Gail Cohen, city human resources director.

Under the new contract, firefighters will make between $51,000 and $68,000 this year, depending on their experience. Lieutenants will make between $73,000 and $80,000 under the contract.

By year four, the salary range for firefighters will be $58,000 to $78,000. Lieutenants will make $84,000 to $91,000.

"Except for the fourth year, it's the exact same contract we gave the police," Cohen said.

Like the police officers, the firefighters are due a 4 percent raise this year -- retroactive to Jan. 1 -- and 4.5 percent raises in years two and three of the contract.

The raises in the second and third years will be split, with firefighters making an extra 4 percent on Jan. 1, and the remaining .5 percent on July 1.

The percentages do not include additional raises some firefighters will receive for added experience.

In year four of the contract, the firefighters will again receive 4.5 percent raises, but they'll also pick up a greater share of their health premiums -- 10 percent, instead of 8.5 percent, Cohen said.

"The police contract is only a three-year contract," she said. "The police union is pondering whether to accept a fourth year under the same conditions."

Firefighter union officials could not be reached for comment on Friday.