Manteca firefighters are expected to receive a 1 percent cost of living adjustment.

It is part of a compensation package the City Council is excepted to approve when they meet tonight at 7 o’clock at the Civic Center council chambers, 1001 W. Center St.

The Manteca Professional Firefighters Local 1874 contract with the city expired June 30, 2022. The basic contract has been extended for a one-year term from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 with the following memorandum of understanding provisions in addition to the cost of living adjustment:

*Firefighters on the payroll as of June 30, 2022 will receive a one-time stipend of $3,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds the city received from the federal government for the hazardous duty they were required to perform in connection with the pandemic.

*The city and association agree to salary and wage reopener to be discussed by no later than Jan. 31, 2023.

* The addition of Cesar Chavez’ Day that falls on March 31 as a paid holiday. Every member of the bargaining will  be compensated for holidays at the rate of 26 hours per month on the second paycheck of each month.

  *Firefighters will  receive a separate bank of 96 hours of sworn safety worker leave. This leave has no expiration, no cash value, and is forfeited upon separation of employment.

* Increase of incentive pay from 2.5% to 5% for personnel in possession of an Associate of Arts Degree I Fire Science or any AA Degree from an accredited institution.

*Increase of incentive pay from 5% to 7.5% for personnel in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.

* Increase of incentive pay from 7.5% to 10% for personnel in possession of a Master’s Degree in Fire Science or General Management from an accredited institution.

The changes to the employment agreement will cost $443,000. However, $132,000 in the form of one-time pandemic stipends will not be a reoccurring expense.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@manteecabulletin.com