After two years of discussion, Cochrane Town Council has agreed to a negotiated settlement with the Cochrane Fire Fighters’ Association, the local branch of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The agreement resulted in the 6.2 per cent fire tax levy that was included in the 2013 property taxes for Cochrane landowners.
A representative of the local IAFF chapter said in a media release that the group was happy to settle a deal that allows both parties to avoid a costly arbitration process, all the while maintaining a level of service.
The settlement represents a balancing of the current level of risk with the resources available. The salaries agreed upon are lower than those in similar communities, but the firefighters welcome improvements in other areas.
Negotiations between the two parties began in January 2011.
“This agreement is good for firefighters, good for taxpayers and good for public safety,” said Jared Wallace, president of the local firefighters’ association.
This ratification comes ahead of an arbitration slated for this September. The agreement runs until June 30, 2014.
Mayor Truper McBride commented that a ‘made in Cochrane’ agreement could be limited through the arbitration system.
