I can't judge any of that until I know what they were paid before the big raise. Perhaps there was "years of inequity".
Well, well, well. Look who's right (me) and look who's m
isrepresenting lying (Costello)!
After an exhaustive Google search, I sent an email to the local Firefighters Union requesting information on this super-duper raise. And got a reply (emphasis added mine):
The 2004 to 2007 contract (approved while Mr. Costello was Mayor) provided for an approximate 19% TOTAL increase over the three year period of the contract. That total included an already implemented step increase per year (just over 2% per year) that was built in to the pay matrix (step plan) being used at the time. That (approx.) 2% would have been implemented anyway, so the actual increase was really around 13% (total over the three years) more than what was already provided for. No contract since that one (2004-2007) has included a pay matrix for raises, as it was done away with in the 2007-2008 contract. Ormond Beach firefighters have not received any form of raise since 2007.
The reason for the increase in question was that Ormond’s Firefighters at that time were being paid about that much less than the average of the other comparable departments in the area. This essentially brought Ormond up to the standard at the time.
On a side note Ormond Beach firefighters also pay 8.4% of their salaries into their pension plan.
I hope this answered your question. If you would like any further information, please let me know.
Thank you for your support.
(Name and Position Removed)
IAFF Local 3499
Ormond Beach Firefighters Association
