The Ocala City Council on Aug. 18 approved a collective bargaining agreement concerning Ocala Fire Rescue. Here's what we know about that issue and others discussed during the council meeting:
Agreement with Ocala Fire Rescue
The agreement is between the city and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2135, Firefighter and Officer Bargaining Unit. It covers Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2029.
The vote was 5-0, with council President Ire Bethea Sr., Pro Tem Jay Musleh, and council members Kristen Dreyer, Jim Hilty and Barry Mansfield all in agreement.
According to a news release from Ocala Fire Rescue, the annual starting salary for a firefighter/paramedic will be $77,890.67, and for a firefighter/EMT it will be $66,270.27.
According to the agency, this is "competitive
compensation aimed at attracting the finest talent in the field."
Also included in the agreement is what Ocala Fire Rescue calls "a groundbreaking transition to a D-shift schedule, evolving to a 24 hours on, 72 hours off work model by September 30, 2029."
According to the news release, "This change demonstrates OFR's unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our firefighters and to preventing the physical exhaustion and stress imposed by demanding professions like ours."
Also in the contract is "an annual 3% COLA for the duration of the bargaining agreement, 88 paid holiday hours, and vacation buyback availability," the news release explains.
Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn said in the press statement: "We are eager to begin recruitment of the next generation of public servants that will guard our community. Investing in our present and emerging workforce reinforces our commitment to public safety, ensuring both those receiving services and those providing them are well-supported."
Alcohol sale
Also on Aug. 18, the council unanimously approved the sale of beer and wine for on-premise consumption for Pane Vino E' Caffe' LLC, which does business as Via Panini.
Vincenza Auciello and Jonathan Auciello are equal partners in the business, city documents show. According to the city report, alcohol sale/consumption has not been previously been approved at the location, 725 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 4.
On the five-page application, it notes the business is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Under the heading "permit description," on premises consumption/bar and on premises consumption/outside enclosed building, were ticked.
There are roughly 15-20 stools/seats in the 8,276-square-foot building, and 70 parking spaces.
Air show in Ocala
Council on Aug. 18 approved an agreement with JLC AirShow Management, LLC to bring Wings over Ocala, an air show, to the Ocala International Airport.
The show will be from April 30 to May 2, 2027, according to city records.
An official from the Ocala/Marion County Visitors Bureau said the agency estimates a $4.5 million economic impact to the community.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala Fire Rescue gets a new deal. What does it say about pay?
