Parma: Firefighters agree to cost-cutting measures

PARMA -- The City of Parma and Parma firefighters have agreed on major cost-cutting measures that had previously been voted down by the union, according to Parma Mayor Dean DePiero.

Members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 639, AFL-CIO, approved the city's latest proposal, substantially similar to the original cost-cutting plan, by an 84 percent margin.

"This is a victory for the taxpayers of Parma," said DePiero. "We have succeeded in cutting firefighter costs by slashing overtime, foregoing vacation days and holiday premium pay. The safety of our citizens has always remained our top priority."

The agreement also allows the city to save money by cutting firefighter comp time while restoring minimums at 25 firefighters per shift.

There are five fire stations in the City of Parma. The cost-cutting measures approved by Parma Firefighters will save the city an estimated $650,000.00.

The City of Parma has been trimming its budget in order to bridge a $2.4 million tax revenue shortfall.

Non-union city employees began taking the first of 16 unpaid furlough days in June. The furlough program will continue through the end of the year.

The city was successful in bargaining concession agreements with eight of its nine unions.

Service Department employees, represented by the United Steelworkers of America, are still without an agreement.

DePiero has previously stated service workers are facing a two month layoff in the fall if a deal cannot be struck.

Other cost-cutting measures include hiring fewer seasonal workers this year and closing the State Road Pool at Veterans Memorial Park this summer.

"As I have stated previously, my aim from the very beginning is to keep people working while maintaining a balanced budget and quality city services," said DePiero.

"This is about being fiscally responsible. That approach will continue as my administration looks at other ways to cut the cost of doing business while maintaining a safe city."