CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS Trustees OK recommendation to give firefighters a 9% raise

Cost of firefighters' prescriptions would increase from $2 to $10, or $20.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Township trustees have approved a fact-finder's report that provides to firefighters a 9 percent pay raise over three years.
In the recommendation approved by trustees during a special Monday meeting, members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2075 will pay additional co-payments for prescriptions.
The union has seven days to accept or reject the recommendation. If the union takes no action, the report is automatically adopted. If rejected, the issue goes to arbitration.
Currently firefighters with three years' experience are paid $37,923 annually; engineers, $39,533; and captains, $42,366.
Patrick J. Ungaro, township administrator, said that the cost of a prescription will increase from $2 each to $20 for brand name drugs and $10 for generics.
The recommended raises are 2.5 percent this year, 3 percent in 2005 and 3.5 percent in 2006.
Switching coverage
Ungaro explained that the township would be able to switch from self-insured medical coverage to a fully insured program with Medical Mutual of Ohio as the carrier.
Atty. John N. Barkan Jr., who represents the township, said the township could save about $300,000 in a one-year period with no decrease in coverage to firefighters.
The township, which has been self-insured, has been paying all medical costs, which have amounted to nearly $1 million during the past year, Barkan explained.
By paying a $55,000 monthly premium to Medical Mutual, the township will pay $660,000 annually, thus the savings. Also, Barkan explained, the township will be better able to budget for medical costs.
Road department workers, which are represented by the Teamsters, have agreed to a similar package as the firefighters have been offered, Ungaro said.
The police, represented by the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, will begin bargaining in about two months, Ungaro said.
yovich@vindy.com