Highland Park FD set to provide fire & EMS to Highwood

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com: In recent developments, the city of Highwood has successfully negotiated agreements with both its fire union and individual union members, paving the way for the potential dissolution of its fire department. If approved by voters, Highwood plans to cease its own emergency services and instead rely on fire and paramedic support from neighboring Highland Park starting July 1. A crucial step in this process involves a referendum question appearing on the March 15 ballot, which will allow residents to decide whether Highwood should continue offering these services. The two towns have crafted a detailed 30-year contract outlining Highland Park's takeover of fire and paramedic services. Should the referendum pass, Highwood will initially pay Highland Park $625,000 annually for emergency and fire inspection services. Future payments will increase based on inflation but remain capped at a 3% annual rise. The Highwood City Council had planned to vote on this agreement during their meeting on November 17. A significant aspect of this agreement hinges on Highwood resolving any existing labor disputes concerning the fire department's dissolution and the transition to contracted services. Additionally, the deal mandates that Highwood address grievances filed by three first-year firefighters who were let go last spring just before their probationary periods ended. These dismissals occurred amid efforts to reduce staffing levels and explore outsourcing options. However, due to union grievances, these employees were later reinstated as part-time workers. Through negotiations with the union, Highwood has agreed to provide lump-sum severance payments to five firefighters, including those previously dismissed, if the referendum is successful. Meanwhile, part-time employees will receive $25 for every 24-hour shift worked between November 2015 and June 30, 2016, when the department would officially close if the referendum passes. In another important clause, both the employees and the union have committed to refraining from making negative comments about the city or its decision to dissolve the fire department. They've also agreed not to influence the outcome of the referendum. Furthermore, the union has pledged not to involve the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, an advocacy group, in discussions surrounding the cessation or the referendum itself. Highland Park's Fire Station 34, located at 1100 Half Day Road, sits just a short distance west of Highwood's western boundary. Local officials highlight that the department already frequently assists Highwood with fire responses through existing mutual aid agreements. Geographically, Highwood is a small area, less than one square mile, entirely encircled by Highland Park. Highwood anticipates saving approximately $684,000 in the first year and projects total savings of $9.3 million over the first ten years of the agreement, even with the maximum 3% annual inflation-based increases to Highland Park's fees. Previous posts can be found HERE.

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