Liberty police, firefighters get raises next 3 years

LIBERTY

Police and fire departments received raises after going through fact-finding and arbitration in contract negotiations with the township.

Negotiations began last fall; contracts ended Dec. 31, 2010.

Fire department captains and lieutenants will receive a 5 percent wage increase this year and 3 percent increases in 2012 and 2013; firefighters will receive a 3 percent increase each year.

Police department patrol officers received a 1.25 percent wage increase this year; 1.5 percent for 2012; and 2 percent in 2013. Wage increases for both are retroactive to Jan. 1.

Trustee Chairman Stan Nudell addressed the township’s finances and point of view at a news conference Thursday.

“The trustees wanted a three-year wage freeze,” Nudell said.