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SECTION 1: SALARIES I continue to make recommendations for salary changes each year. I sincerely and very respectively ask for a serious effort and evaluation of the proposals listed and that such efforts apply equally to all departments. 1. Salary Increases I agree that it is time for a salary survey. While starting salaries are comparable, the department has fallen behind other cities for persons with longer service, rank, or technical training. I would like to see at least three salary grades established for the fire fighter rank, then increase base levels from the Fire fighter -Driver rank up. If we could sincerely look at these jobs, we can increase the salaries the 5% in an effective method that would increase moral and job skills. 2. Certification Pay Master Fire Fighter certificate EMT $100.00 Per Pay Period 25.00 Per Pay Period This has been discussed in detail on several occasions. In -depth information is readily available which fully explains and supports this request. 3. Rank Re- Structure As stated many times this is very necessary. In order to implement, there will have to be modest adjustments in the steps between Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain. This should be similar to the step currently between Driver and Engineer which is $20.00 per shift. This would put the costs of this plan at approximately $70,000.00 per year. In depth information is available. 4. Pension Parity The fire department has just completed an actuary. The study shows good fund growth and allows some improvement in the retirement program. This is largely possible due to progressive management of the system. Continued growth of the fund is in the best interest of the city. The pension benefit is a direct benefit which encourages good applicants, long term employees, and a reasonable age for retirement. When compared, it is very easy to see that the retirement contribution is not equal for all city employees. Specifically, the fire department is well below other employees. The last increase in the ratio was several years ago when the city began paying 10% to the firemen's fund. The firemen match at 9 %. To the best of the department's knowledge, the city contribution would be 13.13% to provide an equal benefit.