MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The phrase “it’s a great day” was heard more than once at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as commissioners prepared to approve a pair of new collective bargaining agreements with those union-eligible employees of Marion County Fire Rescue represented by the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, IAFF Local 3169.

After months of negotiations–and years of on-and-off contention–the county and PFMC reached a tentative agreement last month that will both catch MCFR up within the ultra-competitive Florida market and reframe the department’s priorities regarding recruitment, retention, compensation and scheduling for years to come.

The two collective bargaining agreements represent a “phased approach” to meeting the department’s needs. The first, a short contract in effect between June 30 and Sept. 30, 2026, will increase both current pay for eligible employees and starting rates for the department by $20,000, bringing annual salaries for dual-certified firefighter/paramedics up to $75,022, and for dual-certified firefighter/EMTs to a $65,067. Single-certified paramedics and EMTS will earn $72,239 and $61,815 respectively.

“This adjustment is designed to immediately improve Marion County’s competitiveness,” said Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tart. “It recognizes the value of our current workforce while helping us attract the next generation of firefighters and paramedics.”

The subsequent agreement will run from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2029. In addition to cost-of-living and longevity raises, transport stipends, 80 hours of paid holiday leave and other updated details, the contract codifies a transition to a 24 hours on, 72 hours off schedule–from MCFR’s current schedule of 24-on, 48-off (with one extra day off every three weeks)–before its expiration. While few fire departments in Florida work a 24/72 schedule, that number is growing, as the extended time between shifts provides multiple health and personal benefits while increasing recruitment and retention. Marion County is one of the largest counties in Florida to begin a transition to a 24/72 schedule.

“This agreement is an investment in our people and the future of Marion County Fire Rescue,” said MCFR Chief James Banta. “It reduces exposure to carcinogens, traumatic incidents, sleep deprivation and cumulative occupational stress. In a profession where cancer, heart disease and mental health challenges remain concerns, this proposal directly supports the long-term health and wellness of our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs.

“Today’s candidates are looking for competitive compensation, quality of life, and work-life balance,” Banta added.

The commissioners present–Kathy Bryant (Dist. 2) was unwell and did not attend–were effusive in their thanks to Tart, Banta, Marion County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes and IAFF President Rolin Boyd and 2nd Vice President Joe Romani for their individual and collective efforts during the process.

“I don’t think we as a board could have come to the decision that we did without you and your staff putting together all the materials to make it crystal clear where we stand as a county,” Commissioner Craig Curry (Dist. 1) told Chief Banta. “You guys just knocked it out of the park.”

“Thank you for the great relationship we have between the board and the firefighters’ union,” said Matt McClain (Dist. 3). “It’s great to be part of a time when we’re making tough decisions, but we’re making the right decision when it comes to what this is going to do for firefighters and their families… Today we’re making a significant investment in the future of this organization and this county, but also, in my opinion, it’s going to be the fiscally prudent thing to do.”

Commission Chair Carl Zalak, III, called the agreement “the boldest, most incredible contract Marion County’s ever attempted.”

The commissioners present voted unanimously to pass the agreements.

“It’s a great day,” said Curry.