Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
On May 1, the Lake Zurich Village Board unanimously approved a new contract with the International Association of Firefighters 3191, granting local firefighters and paramedics salary hikes of 2 percent on May 1; 2 percent in 2018; 2 percent in 2019 and 2.5 percent in 2020.
But the salary increases were the only substantial change both parties agreed to in the new contract, according to Lake Zurich Fire Chief John Malcolm and union president Jason Henriksen.
Because the village changed its fiscal year to align with the calendar year, the first salary increase of the contract will be effective from May 1 through the end of 2017.
The other increases will be effective for each of the subsequent calendar years. The 46-member union approved the contract unanimously.
Malcolm said negotiations were easy. And both sides said they were pleased with the final contract.
In April, the board approved a contract with Lake Zurich Fraternal Order of Police 190-1 for the same length and with the same pay hikes.
