A compensation increase for the volunteer firefighters who serve the town of Battleford was granted by council at Tuesday evening's regular council meeting.
The decision follows a request by councillors at their last meeting Aug. 15 for more time to review relevant information regarding the resolution brought forth by the fire chief to increase compensation for firefighters in his department.
In the Town of Battleford's review of firefighter compensation of other departments in Nipawin, Kindersley, Humboldt, Meadow Lake, Rosetown and Tisdale, they found Battleford's rate of compensation was low by comparison.
Fire Chief Larry Gabruch said in a memo sent to the mayor and councillors that he recommends a retroactive pay increase of $1 commencing Jan. 1, 2016. From 2009 to 2016 the rate increase for fire chief was $250, with the deputy chief going from $475 to $550 during that same period. With the increase, the fire chief base pay per month would go from $900 to $1,000, deputy chief from $550 to $600, first captain from $275 to $300 and second captain from $137 to $150.
According to CAO John Enns-Wind, Battleford's 22 volunteer firefighters "are not making what other firefighters are making in most other communities."
Enns-Wind supported Gabruch's recommendation and highlighted the importance of the work.
"Our firefighters make a significant sacrifice in time that they spend at the fire hall in training, time away from family and time away from work," said Enns-Wind. "They may also experience trauma through some of the incidents they attend."
Councillor Susan McLean Tady moved to authorize the increase in firefighter compensation, with the remaining councillors agreeing. Mayor Derek Mahon then took a moment to express gratitude to the fire department staff, saying he'd "like to thank all the firefighters involved in the town for the service that they do for the community and the RM of Battle River, as well."
Councillor Ames Leslie, who has been a volunteer firefighter in Battleford for 16 years and has financial interest in the recommendation, excused himself from the discussions and did not participate in the vote.
