Firefighters working for the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) are slated to receive a pay increase of nearly 25% over the next five years. This comes after the OCFA board approved a significant new contract, following their two-month vacation and despite some board members raising questions about the financial implications for cities.
Staff from the fire authority have indicated that these new raises will be funded directly from the coffers of their member cities. A staff report highlighted that OCFA salary cost increases lead to corresponding increases in cash contract city charges, with a June report projecting that cities contracted with OCFA could see their bills rise by nearly 25% over the five-year period to cover these enhanced costs. It's important to note this raise will not affect all OCFA member cities, as some contribute directly through property taxes via the structural fire fund rather than contracts.
The contract, an extensive document spanning over 200 pages, outlines raises, employee benefits, and other provisions. All union members are set to receive a 4.5% raise annually for the next five years, culminating in a 24.6% increase when factoring in compound interest. This will amount to approximately $313 million in raises over the next five years, funded by the fire authority's 23 member cities. The agreement also fully funds bereavement leave for up to 20 days and covers retirement plans to 99%. Additionally, pregnancy and parenthood leave will be paid for the first 24 hours, with the remaining period unpaid.
Concerns are emerging among some city officials who believe the increased costs will place considerable pressure on municipal general funds, many of which are already stressed. This decision comes at a time when cities throughout Orange County are reportedly struggling financially, with several asking voters to consider various tax increases this November.
OC Professional Firefighters Association President Chris Hamm voiced strong support for the contract, urging board members to ratify it. He emphasized the importance of "prioritizing our people over property," while also noting the contract fully funds retiree healthcare and retirement plans. OCFA Deputy Chief Robert Cortez clarified that the economic framework of the contract was approved during a June meeting, with the recent vote focused on finalizing the language. He described the proposed contract as providing long-term labor stability and establishing clear processes for future actions.
The contract is set to commence on March 19, 2027, and conclude on March 11, 2032, making it a five-year agreement. While most board members supported the new contract, Directors Mark Tettemer and Robert Frackelton expressed reservations regarding the limited time available to review the extensive document and its potential impact on contract cities.
Tettemer, who also serves as a Lake Forest council member, voted against the contract. He voiced discomfort with the five-year term and questioned whether the OCFA's budget adequately reflects the organization's capital demands. Frackelton, a Villa Park city councilman, abstained from the vote, citing insufficient time to read the document. He attempted to move for a postponement of the vote until the November meeting, but his motion was unsuccessful. Frackelton conveyed that while all Orange County cities would benefit from improved firefighter recruitment and retention, he anticipates steady increases for contract cities to cover the rising costs.
Contract cities are already preparing for the anticipated higher charges. In Stanton, one of the county's smaller cities, officials confirmed the increased costs would be covered by the city's general fund. Stanton City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn cautioned that these costs will significantly strain the city’s budget, requiring careful management. She also highlighted that while city council maintains prudent reserves for unforeseen circumstances, the goal is structurally balanced ongoing operations, not relying on reserves for recurring expenses.
Campaign finance disclosures reveal that many board members who voted in favor of the raise had received campaign funding from the firefighters union. Buena Park Mayor and OCFA board member Connor Traut received substantial support, with the union spending over $380,000 on ads for his county supervisor campaign this year. Traut later stated that public safety is a "necessity" and indicated that Buena Park's new sales tax measure could help cover increased costs, affirming that police and fire services would remain a priority in future budgets. Supervisor Katrina Foley, who missed the final vote but had approved an outline of the deal in June, also received nearly $200,000 for her reelection campaign. The union also made maximum direct donations to several city council members on the board who subsequently voted yes, including Cypress Councilman David Burke, Seal Beach Councilwoman Lisa Landau, Irvine Councilwoman Betty Martinez-Franco, Aliso Viejo Councilman Mike Munzing, and San Clemente Councilman Victor Cabral. Additionally, the union contributed $160,000 to the Democratic Party of Orange County and $99,000 to the Republican Party of Orange County this year.
