Item No. 9.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: JAMES MCQUEEN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
DATE: JANUARY 27, 2026
APPROVAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SUBJECT: DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Downey and the Downey Firemen's Association as a successor to the prior agreement, which expired on December 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-8330, approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Downey and the Downey Firemen's Association (DFA) - (January 1, 2026 — December 31, 2029).
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on September 9, 2025, the City Council authorized James McQueen, Director of Human Resources, as the City's representative to begin labor negotiations with the Downey Firemen's Association (DFA) for a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU expired on December 31, 2025. After a series of meetings with the association, the process was concluded on November 6, 2025.
ANALYSIS
An agreement has been reached between the City and the DFA on a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the term of January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029. DFA represents the sworn classifications of Fire Captain, Fire Engineer, and Firefighter. The MOU includes the following provisions with economic impact:
• Salary increases for the classification of Firefighter are as follows: 4.5% pay increase effective January 1, 2026; 4.29% pay increase effective January 1, 2027; 4.29% pay increase effective January 1, 2028; and a 4.29% pay increase effective January 1, 2029.
• Salary increases for the classifications of Fire Engineer and Fire Captain are as follows: 5.84% pay increase effective January 1, 2026; 5.56% pay increase effective January 1, 2027; 5.56% pay increase effective January 1, 2028; and a 5.56% pay increase effective January 1, 2029. • The addition of a 5.5% special assignment pay for fire personnel deployed on emergency incidents through the California Fire Assistance Agreement.
• Effective January 1, 2028, a reduction of the currently provided maximum City medical insurance contribution to the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) premium rate.
In addition to economic items, other revised or added contract language changes are included based on the need to clarify or update provisions in accordance with practice or law, as follows:
• Language adjustments to include side letter language updates and remove historical information. • Removal of the prior cap on the number of Arson Investigators per shift. • Updates to sick leave language to comply with new enacted laws. • Update tuition reimbursement language to allow coverage of coursework required for the completion of the California State Fire Training Certifications.
Additionally, the MOU includes a re -opener provision for discussions during the term of the MOU to discuss labor cost -saving measures, if needed.
The negotiated provisions have been ratified by the Association membership. This Memorandum of Understanding is a product of a labor negotiation process involving the DFA and City management representatives and was completed in accordance with State law and the City's Employer -Employee Relations Ordinance and personnel rules and regulations.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Responsibility
FISCAL IMPACT
The agreement represents increased personnel costs in the approximate amounts of $915,480 in Contract Year 1, $927,659 in Contract Year 2, $974,812 in Contract Year 3, and $1,024,390 in Contract Year 4.
Attachments
i
RESOLUTION NO. 26-8330
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE 'CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
(JANUARY 1, 2026 - DECEMBER 31, 2029)
WHEREAS, the City of Downey, hereinafter referred to as "City," and the Downey Firemen's Association, hereinafter referred to as "DFA," have met and conferred in accordance with the requirements of the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act and Employee Relations Ordinance 11`18; and
WHEREAS, as a result, the City and the DFA have reached an agreement as memorialized in a written Memorandum of Understanding covering the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL. OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Memorandum of Understanding between the City; and the DFA, attached hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby approved in substantially the form thereof together with any additions thereto or changes therein deemed necessary or advisable by the City Manager.
SECTION 2. The Director of Human Resources is authorized to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27t" day of January, 2026:
CLAUDIA FROMETA, Mayor
ATTEST:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
" $V. fAVVA
JOHO. FUNK
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 26-8330
PAGE 2
1 HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 27th day of January, 2026, by following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CIVIC
City Clerk