Excerpts from DailyHerald.com: The city of Highwood has reached a significant agreement with its fire union and individual members, paving the way for the dissolution of its own fire department. In exchange, Highwood will now rely on emergency services provided by the neighboring city of Highland Park. However, before any changes can take effect, voters in Highwood must approve a referendum on the March 15 ballot, which would allow the city to stop offering its own emergency services. The two suburban communities have finalized a 30-year contract, under which Highland Park will assume responsibility for fire and paramedic services starting July 1, pending voter approval. The agreement stipulates that Highwood will pay $625,000 in the first year for these services, with annual increases tied to inflation but limited to a maximum of 3%. The Highwood City Council was set to vote on the deal on November 17. A crucial part of the agreement involves resolving labor disputes between Highwood and the International Association of Fire Fighters. Specifically, the city must address concerns raised by the union regarding the closure of the fire department and the outsourcing of services. Additionally, three first-year firefighters who were let go last spring—just before their probationary periods ended—must be resolved. At the time, Highwood was reducing full-time staff and had plans to outsource some personnel through Paramedic Services of Illinois. That plan was paused after the union filed grievances, and the three firefighters were later rehired as part-time employees. If the referendum passes, Highwood will provide lump sum severance payments to five firefighters, including those who were dismissed. Part-time workers will also receive $25 per 24-hour shift worked between November 2015 and June 30, 2016—when the department is expected to close. In addition, both the employees and the union have agreed not to make negative comments about the city or its decision to dissolve the fire department, nor will they interfere with the upcoming referendum. The union has also pledged not to involve the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois in the matter. Highland Park’s Fire Station 34, located at 1100 Half Day Road, is just a few blocks west of Highwood’s western border. Local officials note that Highland Park already responds to many of Highwood’s emergency calls through existing mutual aid agreements. Highwood is less than one square mile in size and is completely surrounded by Highland Park on all sides. According to estimates, Highwood anticipates saving $684,000 in the first year and expects total savings of $9.3 million over the first decade of the agreement, even if the annual payment increases reach the maximum 3% cap. For more updates and previous coverage, visit HERE. Pickleball Paddle,Pickleball Rackets,Custom Pickleball Paddle,Gearbox Pickleball Nantong Zhongyi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.apl-pickleball.com