A referendum planned for ballots in Richfield to increase taxes, in order to hire five additional full-time firefighters in the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company, has been nixed due to potential unionization of the department creating unknown potential costs there.
The Richfield Village Board met Thursday evening, and received information from the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company Board of Directors about the possible unionization of the RVFC. After discussion, the Village Board voted to accept the Board of Directors’ recommendation and not hold the referendum on Nov. 8.
“Collective bargaining is unpredictable. There are many issues that constitute mandatory subjects of bargaining, which the Company would be required to negotiate in order to fulfill the duty to bargain.