Politics & Government

Firefighters Agree to Dig Into Pockets for Pensions

A roundup of news from this week's Newport Beach City Council meeting.

The Newport Beach City Council met this week, here are some of the highlights:

  • The City Council unanimously approved a union contract that is expected to save the city $325,000 over the next couple of years by having firefighters pay more toward their pensions. City Manager Dave Kiff said under the new contract, firefighters have agreed to pay 9 percent of their base pay into their pensions, an increase from the 3.5 percent they currently contribute. The increase will be phased in for firefighters already on the job over the next two years, while firefighters hired after the contract goes into effect on Jan. 1 will immediately begin paying 9 percent toward their pension. "These were tough talks and challenging times to ask people to contribute more," Kiff said. Several councilmembers spoke out about the contract and thanked the firefighters for their willingness to dig into their pockets. "This is a significant financial sacrifice to help the city remain fiscally responsible and strong," Councilman Keith Curry said. "It's a very significant impact on the men and women who serve our city." Councilwoman Leslie Daigle said while labor negotiations are never easy, she is pleased with the balance that was found. "It is about what is fair to employees and what is fair to taxpayers and the balance does shift from time to time," she said.
  • The City Council approved more than $200,000 in grants for special events that take place annually throughout the city. The most notable allocations of funds went to the with $125,00 and the Newport Beach with $35,000.
  • Norm Bour, community development director for Opis Network, told the council the Helping 100 Businesses for 100 Days Program recently wrapped up its work with small business owners. Nora Eastman, a program participant who works in the art business, was recognized at the meeting for her performance in the program. "The program really gave us a great opportunity to get objective advice on how we represent ourselves to the community," Eastman told the City Council. "It really gave us a chance to add some value to our services."
  • Councilman Rush Hill recognized May as National Nurse Month and applauded Ruth Ann Marquez, a nurse at Hoag Hospital's Interventional Radiology Unit, for her five years of service. "She is a perfect example of the nurses at Hoag that go above and beyond the needs to deliver a very high quality of patient care."
  • Councilman Keith Curry said he toured Coastline Community College's new campus which is under construction in Newport Beach. The campus is expected to open in the Fall of 2012 at 1515 Monrovia Avenue. "I think it will be a great asset to the community and a marvelous new venue here in Newport," Kurry said.
  • Newport Beach Field of Honor was highlighted at the meeting for being a great tribute to the men and women of the armed forces. If you didn't get a chance to visit the Field of Honor last weekend, here are some .


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