Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.L
Meeting Date: July 22, 2026
From: Asusena (Suzie) H. Soren, Human Resources Manager Title: Ratification of Agreement Between the City of Cathedral City and the Cathedral City Firefighter's Association.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council ratify the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the newly consolidated Fire bargaining unit, Cathedral City Firefighter’s Association (CCFA), for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
Additionally, Staff recommends the City Council formally acknowledge that the Cathedral City Fire Management Association (CCFMA) and the Cathedral City Professional Firefighter’s Association (CCPFA) will no longer be recognized as separate bargaining units upon approval of the consolidated agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City successfully completed labor negotiations with both Fire bargaining units during this negotiation cycle. In addition to reaching a tentative agreement, the City and labor representatives collaboratively finalized the consolidation of the two existing Fire groups into a single, unified bargaining unit. The combined unit will move forward under one MOU for a three (3) year contract for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
DISCUSSION:
The terms agreed to by the parties include:
1. TERM AND SALARY INCREASES
New Contract Term – (3-year term) January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028 Salary Increases:
o2% effective retroactively to the pay period beginning March 29, 2026 o3% effective the pay period following January 1, 2027
o3% effective the pay period following January 1, 2028
2. BENEFIT IMPROVEMENTS
Deferred Compensation – For employees hired on or after November 25, 2012, employer will contribute 1.5% of base salary to the employee’s 401(a) account. Health Insurance Contributions – Increase monthly City Contributions for Retirees to match current contributions for Active Employees effective August 1, 2026.
oEmployee Only Coverage - $1,100.00, (previously $976.28) oEmployee + One Dependent - $2,100.00, (previously $1,952.57) oFamily Coverage - $2,700.00, (previously $2,538.34)
Short-Term Disability – Effective the month following ratification, added City funded Short-Term Disability benefit at no cost to employees. Educational Incentive – Increase tuition reimbursement to 100% reimbursement; up to $12,000 lifetime and $4,000 per fiscal year.
Previously, the CCPFA had a limited reimbursement amount of up to $500 per fiscal year for incurred costs of education, including tuition, fees, and books. An employee pursuing an AA or BA degree in fire science was limited to $800 per fiscal year. CCFMA was provided educational assistance in an amount not to exceed $4,000 per fiscal year and $12,000 lifetime reimbursement.
The updated language makes the education incentives consistent.
FISCAL IMPACT:
For the first 18 months (January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027), this increase was included in the FY 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 biennial budget. The final 18 months (July 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028) will be included in the next biennial budget for FY 2027/2028 and 2028/2029.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal A – SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH PRIDE AND DEDICATION
Objective: Through diversity, equity, and inclusion-driven employee programs and experiences, Cathedral City is the employer of choice with a workforce that is engaged, motivated, and respected public stewards.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. CCFA MOU 2026-2028