SPRING HILL — Just as commissioners were about to sign off on a new contract for firefighters Wednesday night, Spring Hill Fire District's board was criticized by citizens who said the pact should be voided because the board did not let the public know in advance of contract talks.
The charge brought the instant ire of commission chairman Charles Raborn, who said to resident David Green, "It was announced here, and I know you were here."
Green, a familiar critic of the commission, disagreed, saying he had received word from interim Chief Michael Rampino on Wednesday that the district had failed to inform the media of the negotiations.
"I made a statement to the press that was inaccurate and take full responsibility for such," wrote Rampino in an e-mail to Green. Rampino went on to assure that any future meetings would be advertised.
Last November, under the threat of a tighter budget, the district hammered out a three-year agreement with Local 2794 that included a provision to revisit the benefits portion of the agreement each year. Talks between the district and members began in May.
Despite citizen protests over certain issues, commissioners went on to vote 4-1 in favor of the revised contract that will cover about 110 employees. It includes a 3 percent pay raise and a 5.5 percent increase in health insurance benefits. The agreement also extends the contract through September 2011.
"I say it's money well spent," commissioner Leo Jacobs said. "These people put their lives on the line every day. You really can't put a price on that."
Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 848-1435.
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