Batavia firefighters, police sergeants receive raises

Batavia police sergeants and firefighters are getting a raise.

The city council approved contracts with their respective unions Monday night.

The police contract covers seven sergeants. The firefighters' contract covers 18 firefighters and fire lieutenants.

Each group will receive raises of 1.5 percent this year, retroactive to Jan. 1, and 2 percent in 2012.

For the firefighters, the raises will cost the city an extra $61,596.

For the police sergeants, the raises will cost $32,240.

The firefighters belong to the International Association of Firefighters. The police sergeants are represented by the Fraternal Order of Police.

The police sergeants will be allowed to bank 12 more sick days. Previously, they were only allowed to bank up to 180 sick days. They will also receive $50 more in their annual uniform allowance, up to $825.

The firefighters will be able to bank a similar amount of sick time. Their uniforms are supplied by the city.