Aurora fire officials accept raise freeze for 2010
The higher-ranking Aurora firefighters have joined the ranks of city employees who have agreed to a wage freeze next year.
All 29 members of the association, which is comprised of the ranks of captain, battalion chief, assistant chief and fire marshal, were scheduled to receive a 3.5 percent increase effective Jan. 1, 2010. Assistant Chief of Staff Carie Anne Ergo said Friday that the freeze will save the city about $125,000.
"The members of (the bargaining unit) should be commended for agreeing to the (wage) freeze," Mayor Tom Weisner said in a written statement. "Their agreement illustrates their understanding of the difficult financial times everyone in the city is facing and I believe it shows their dedication the citizens of Aurora."
Association President Dave Rygh said many of the officers felt taking the freeze felt like the right thing to do because of "the economic circumstances."
In early September, Finance Director Brian Caputo provided aldermen with an update indicating revenues had fallen more than originally anticipated, leaving a projected $5.6 million general fund shortfall in 2009. Caputo estimated the 2010 shortfall could reach $19 million unless the city reduces operating costs.
Since earlier this summer, Weisner and Caputo have warned that reductions in personnel costs were essential to balancing the city budget because they account for nearly 82 percent of the city's general fund expenses.
The fire officers are the second bargaining unit representing city employees to accept wage concessions. The city also reached an agreement with AFSCME Local 1514 that provides members an average annual 1.93 percent raise through 2012 and guarantees no members will be laid off through 2010. Local 1514 employees also agreed to take 10 unpaid furlough days: two this year and eight in 2010.
Members of AFSCME Local 1514, which includes 130 public works and water and sewer maintenance employees, ratified the deal Sept. 18. City council members approved the contract Oct. 27.
To date, 305 city employees, including the mayor and 12 aldermen, will forgo their normal salary increases for 2010.