Last week at the Arlington City Council meeting, I observed the most incredible act of selflessness I have ever had the privilege to witness. In order to balance the budget for 2013, the Firefighters (IAFF Local No. 3728) were asked to make a 5 percent salary concession. The firefighters not only made the 5 percent concession, but also added an additional 1-1/2 percent concession to convert a current half-time position to a full-time firefighter. The Firefighters made this offer because they feel strongly that the position is necessary to provide the safest fire protection for the city of Arlington.
This reduction was in addition to earlier concessions. In the 2012/2013 city budget, the Fire Department administrative personnel took a 5 percent salary reduction and the firefighters agreed to work uncompensated for 84 hours during the year to fill in for the firefighter position that was left vacant.
During these tough economic times, the mayor and City Council have made some extremely difficult cuts in the budget. To balance the budget, the city of Arlington was forced to cut seven positions; that’s seven families that were impacted with those cuts in addition to our firefighters.
Thank you firefighters for demonstrating that if we all work together we can get through this. What a role model you are for other communities! Your sacrifices will not be forgotten.
I sincerely hope that maybe, just maybe, the next time we are asked for a small tax increase to keep our city safe and our families secure that citizens will remember the sacrifices our fire department and their families have made and be willing to step up to the plate like they just did.
Jan Schuette
Arlington
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