Batavia firefighters get small raise, fitness incentive in new contract

Full-time firefighters and fire lieutenants in Batavia are getting a 0.5 percent raise this year as part of a new three-year contract.

The city council approved the deal Monday. Firefighters ratified it March 15.

The pact calls for negotiating pay raises for the second and third years later. It also adds a top step on the pay scale.

New to the deal is a reward to encourage firefighters to stay physically fit. They will get $100 to $500 if they can prove at an annual test in September how fit they are. They will be tested on pushups, air squats, standard planks, blindfolded leg stands, sit-and-reach flexibility and a cardio step test.

Starting pay for a firefighter or paramedic is set at $63,542 a year; after seven years of experience, a firefighter or paramedic will make $92,435.

Lieutenants start at $96,133; top pay is $108,136.

The previous contract expired Dec. 31.