By Karen Zapf
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Copyright 2006 Tribune Review Publishing Company
All Rights Reserved
Plum’s volunteer firefighters have brought in a lawyer to work toward guarantees they want included in a contract with the borough.
Attorney Kevin Gormly of Plum said he is working to get a multiyear contract for the four volunteer fire companies that will stipulate levels of funding from the borough to give the departments stability.
Previously, Ira Helfer, a firefighter, represented the Plum Borough Fire Chiefs Association in the negotiations. Helfer said Gormly is representing the firefighters at no cost.
Councilman Paul Dern Jr., a member of the borough’s negotiating team, said the borough is trying to give the firefighters “everything we possibly can.” Dern added that the borough cannot bind future councils with a contract.
About 40 borough volunteer firefighters came to a council meeting earlier this year and implored members to continue providing the level of financial support the borough historically has given to the four fire companies.
For 2006, the borough has given $130,000, shared by the four departments, Last year the departments received $120,000. The borough also pays for workers compensation, vehicle insurance, liability insurance, tires, fuel and training.
The borough also set up a fire apparatus fund whereby Plum pays a portion of the cost of a new fire truck on a rotating basis for each department.
The firefighters were particularly concerned that the borough had proposed to change its contract with the fire companies into a memorandum of understanding. The borough has since agreed to remove “nonbinding,” and has agreed to a contract.
Negotiations have continued over the past several months. The previous contract expired last year, and the parties have been operating under the extension of its terms.
Traditionally, contracts have run for five years.
Dern said he has offered the firefighters a one-year contract that would be retroactive and extend through the end of this year. Dern then wants to negotiate a three-year deal because a majority of the council members have three more years on their four-year terms.
Dern said that later in the year he will have a better idea about the borough’s financial position for next year.
Gormly called a one-year retroactive contract “pointless.” He wants to focus on a multiyear deal immediately.
“Going forward, the firefighters need stability,” he said.