The Newport City Council unanimously approved a new three-year contract with the fire department on Oct. 20 that will retroactively give a two-percent raise.
The vote was 6-0, with Mayor Harry Winthrop absent. The new contract is retroactive to July 1 and will run through the end of fiscal year 2021.
Councilor Kate Leonard voiced concern about adding positions, but City Solicitor Christopher Behan said, “We’re adding on one position. It’s an administrative captain who assists the chief.”
Some positions will be consolidated and new personnel will take over the duties of other officers, saving money in a contract that is 60 pages thick. The contract means that firefighters, after four years of experience, will earn a salary of $67,466, lieutenants will be paid $72,917, captains will receive $80,340, and deputy chiefs will earn $89,160. The senior deputy chief will be paid $90,943.
A current administrative fire captain’s position will be eliminated upon that person’s retirement, saving $115,000.