Sand Springs Firefighters To Take Pay Cut

NewsOn6.com

SAND SPRINGS, OK – Sand Springs firefighters will take a pay cut of more than three percent under a new contract.

The Sand Springs city council approved the contract at its meeting Monday night. The city won't lay off firefighters but they are now facing furloughs and reduced vacation time.

"With a spirit of cooperation and in good faith, an agreement was crafted which met the required budgetary goals without further reductions in fire department staffing levels," said Fire Chief Mark Joslin.

Firefighters also agreed to give up step and longevity pay increases, uniform allowances and tuition expense reimbursements.

The contract helps fill a $220,000 gap in the Sand Springs Fire Department's 2011 budget.