Tuesday (May 22) the El Mirage City Council approved two-year extensions to police and fire association labor agreements. Police Association President Doug Jones and Fire Association President Tom Jury commended the Council for choosing Dr. Spencer Isom as City Manager. They also thanked the Council for its leadership in guiding the City through some tough economic times. Tom Jury reflected, “Just a short time ago, I was fighting a different Council and City Manager, challenging the layoff of six fire fighters. Now, not only has this Council returned the firefighters to duty, but we are seeing significant improvements throughout the organization and the Community.”

Doug Jones spoke of stability and professionalism within the Police Department, thanking Mayor Lana Mook, Vice Mayor David Shapera, and the Council for setting a course that allows the Police Department to enjoy “…a professional reputation, increasing morale, a can-do attitude, and an optimism for the future that any organization, public or private sector, would envy.”

Mayor Mook stated, “I’m proud at what this community has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time. I thank the Council, City Manager, Fire Chief Howard Munding, Police Chief Steve Campbell and our public safety association employees for working to turn this situation around.”

The agreement extensions provide a one-time lump sum payment to recognize association members, 3.33% for Police and 2% for Fire. In year two, members are eligible for a one-time step increase as outlined in their agreements. City Manager Isom announced all non-association full-time regular employees will be recognized with a 2% one-time lump sum payment around July 1.