City Council OKs pay raises for firefighters, free bus rides for MoWest students and faculty
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Salary increases for St. Joseph firefighters and free bus rides for MoWest students and faculty are now in effect after passage by St. Joseph City Councilmembers this evening.
A pair of measures approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting will pave the way for a three-phase firefighter salary increase and the reinstatement of free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University.
A new $200,000 working contract with the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77, will see firefighter pay increase by 4% in 2026, along with future raises of 3% in both 2027 and 2028, an agreement that received strong praise from leaders with the local firefighter union.
"This agreement represents a significant investment in public safety. It provides stability for our families in need, allowing us to focus entirely on our mission of protecting the lives and property of our neighbors," IAFF Local 77 President Skyler White said at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
The agreement also includes longevity raises to increase salaries above the base salary for every five years of continuous service completed, with the breakdown as follows:
- 5 years of service:Â 5% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.
- 10 years: 10% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.
- 15 years: 15% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.
- 20 years: 20% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.
"We know that budgets are tight and decisions are rarely easy, but by prioritizing this contract for us, you have chosen to invest in the people who are there for this city on its worst days," White said to City Councilmembers.
The agreement also updates EMT compensation by converting certified EMT pay from a lump-sum payment to an hourly rate through an adjustment to base pay prior to the application of longevity, and revises out-of-title compensation.
City reinstates free bus ride program for MoWest faculty and students
Free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University are back once again after approval by councilmembers on Tuesday.
Tuesday's meeting saw the approval of a measure to reinstate a free bus transportation program between the City and Missouri Western State University, one that will provide unlimited bus rides to faculty, staff and students without having to pay a fare.Â
Students and staff will have to present a current, valid MoWest identification card at the time of boarding to be accepted.Â
Tuesday's approval marks the return of the program for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic halted it. Prior to that, the agreement had been in place since 2013.
The new agreement is for one year but could be extended to 2027 depending on performance goals. The contract will automatically renew in 2027 if roughly 4,800 riders are registered.
Other bills approved by City Council
An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the capital projects budget and the execution of a lump sum contract with MVP Painting LLC in the amount of $61,590 for the St. Joseph Aquatic Park Pool painting project
A resolution authorizing a services agreement with Insurica/Palomar insurance company, Allied World Surplus Lines Insurance and Mount Claims Service for vehicle and general liability insurance, comprehensive insurance coverage and third-party administrator services in the amount of $449,920 for the Mass Transit Division.
Nominations and appointments
Mayor John Josendale nominates Mary Kottenstette, North 19th Street, to serve as a member of the Land Bank Board for a term expiring Jan. 20, 2030; she will be replacing Tara Horn, whose term has expired.
Councilmember Kenton Randolph nominates David E. Humbert, Jr., South Fourth Street, to serve as a member of the Landmark Commission for a term expiring Sept. 29, 2026; he is filling a vacancy on the Commission.
