Politics & Government

Firefighters Agree to $124,000 in One-Time Givebacks

Firefighters, town work together during municipal budget process.

After discussions with the mayor and other town officials, the Stratford Firefighters Union has agreed to $124,000 in one-time givebacks in the wake of a sluggish economy and declining revenues.

The firefighters’ union also agreed to concede a $1,000 annual education reimbursement per firefighter. Based on a four-year average, this will save the town an additional $22,000 in fiscal year 2012, but could increase to as much as $95,000 if every firefighter were to take advantage of the education credit, officials said.

Mayor John A. Harkins said he is appreciative of the union’s understanding and willingness to help out in difficult economic circumstances. 

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“With a stagnant economy, declining tax revenues and cuts in funding from the state government, balancing a municipal budget is a challenging exercise,” said Mayor Harkins. “I thank the firefighters for stepping forward and chipping in to assist the town as we work together to move Stratford forward.”  

Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 998 President Bill Hansen said his membership understands the rough economic times the town is enduring. 

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“The members of IAFF Local 998 are very well aware of the current state of the economy both locally and nationally. Our membership felt that due to the state of the economy, we should find a way to provide some assistance to the town and its taxpayers in the upcoming budget.

"This is the reason why the members of IAFF Local 998 decided to assist the town with these concessions potentially adding up to $219,000,” said Hansen.

“We hope that these concessions will help relieve some of the burden on the taxpayers of Stratford," Hansen said.


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