The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is poised to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the county’s professional firefighters on Thursday, May 15. This agreement represents months of negotiation and will have significant impacts on both firefighter compensation and the county budget. Let’s examine what this means for firefighters and taxpayers alike.
Background: The previous collective bargaining agreement between Escambia County and the Escambia County Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 4131) expired on Sept. 30, 2024. County administrators and union representatives engaged in a series of negotiations beginning Feb. 24, with additional meetings on March 14, March 27, April 28, and a final meeting on May 5. Read CBA.IAFF
- The union membership has already ratified the agreement, and now it awaits final approval from the County Commission.
Key Financial Impacts
Implementation of the new wage table represents a substantial investment in the county’s fire services —approximately $1.7 million annual increase to the Fire Personnel Budget. These increases cover both wages and benefits for firefighters across all ranks.
The agreement establishes for the first time a detailed pay scale based on both rank and years of service:
24-Hour Shift Pay Scale:
- Firefighters: Starting at $15.49/hour, increasing to $20.79/hour for 21+ years of service
- Lieutenants: Starting at $21.79/hour, reaching $28.20/hour at the 19-year mark
- Captains: Starting at $25.22/hour, reaching $32.63/hour at the 19-year mark
- Battalion Chiefs: Starting at $30.65/hour, reaching $38.23/hour at the 17-year mark
9-Hour Shift Pay Scale:
- Firefighters: Starting at $19.98/hour, increasing to $26.83/hour for 21+ years of service
- Lieutenants: Starting at $28.11/hour, reaching $36.37/hour at the 19-year mark
- Captains: Starting at $32.53/hour, reaching $40.58/hour at the 17-year mark
- Battalion Chiefs: Starting at $39.54/hour, reaching $47.53/hour at the 15-year mark
Additional Benefits
The agreement includes several other important provisions:
- Special assignment pay for technical rescue teams, hazardous materials teams, and water rescue specialists
- Education incentives for associates and bachelor’s degrees
- Paramedic supplemental pay of $15,000 annually for qualifying firefighters
- EMT certification pay of $1,500 annually
- Annual leave incentives for fitness performance
- Comprehensive cancer coverage exceeding state requirements
Next Steps
The County Commission will vote on the ratification at their May 15 meeting. If approved, the contract will be implemented immediately and remain in effect for three years. Each year of the contract term allows for reopening negotiations on wages and three additional articles by each party.
Why This Matters
This contract represents a significant investment in Escambia County’s firefighting force. With increasing call volumes and expanded responsibilities for firefighters, competitive wages and benefits are essential for recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. The agreement balances the need to fairly compensate these essential public safety professionals while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- The $1.7 million budget impact comes from dedicated fire service funds rather than the general fund, meaning it won’t directly affect other county services or require a tax increase.
As our community continues to grow, ensuring we have well-trained, fairly compensated firefighters remains a top priority for public safety. This agreement represents a step toward strengthening Escambia County’s fire protection capabilities for years to come.