Pay dispute ended, Gautier firefighters OK contract

GAUTIER -- Gautier firefighters Local 3290 approved a contract the city offered this week and the City Council is expected to ratify it on Tuesday.

It came after the resolution of a lawsuit by firefighters.

Union President Josh Latch said, "This has been a long time coming. This will bring us all together and moving in the right direction."

He said the priorities are employee retention, salary compression and fire safety.

The city and fire union restarted stalled negotiations when the circuit court issued a summary judgment on holiday pay.

Judge Kathy Jackson found the city's offer of eight hours met the statutory obligation and ordered the city to pay the firefighters the holiday pay from 2010 to 2013.

The resolution of the lawsuit opened the door for both parties to negotiate a new contract.

Significant items in the new contract include increased minimum staffing, and a pay scale that addresses salary compression. The contract also establishes that the City Council will maintain a minimum value to its public safety millage.

Gautier has the second-lowest property tax in Jackson County.

City Manager Samantha Abell said, "The contract is the last hurdle for establishing departmental

continuity, and ensures the excellence of Gautier's fire safety well into the future."

The last fire union contract was negotiated in 2003.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Pay dispute ended, Gautier firefighters OK contract ."