City of Gonzales
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 17, 2026
FROM: Mike Howard, Finance Director
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2026-07 International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5388 Amendment #1 to the Memorandum of Understanding
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-07, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Execution of Amendment #1, Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Gonzales and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5388, for the period covering January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
BACKGROUND
In May 2025, the City of Gonzales reached an agreement and City Council approved a new Memorandum of Understanding with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5388 for a period covering January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
About January 2026, the City was notified by the Association of their desire to enter into negotiations for a successor agreement. The association agreed to a six-month extension of the current MOU.
The City was notified on February 11, 2026 that the Tentative Agreement reached was ratified by the Local 5388 on February 11, 2026.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
As referenced in the background, the City and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5388 began negotiations for a successor Memorandums of Understanding for the expiring Memorandum of Understanding.
AGENDA
ITEM
16 During the period of negotiations, the two parties came to a final Tentative Agreement regarding a six-month extension of the current MOU. Key items in the new MOU for the City of Gonzales Fire Fighters are listed below.
• Amendment of the current MOU resulted in a six-month extension to June 30, 2026. • In consideration of the six-month extension. the following will be paid upon ratification by the City Council of the City of Gonzales:
o Lieutenant $2,000.00
o Firefighter $1,500.00
• All other terms and conditions of the current MOU will remain in effect.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: The proposed MOU supports the vision by maintaining stability for the six-month period in a critical public safety function that is necessary to maintain a safe family-friendly community.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ___No ___ NA
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ___No NA Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision
Strong fiscal reporting allows us to provide appropriate resources for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: A stable organization is needed to ensure the high level of service necessary to promote public safety for the community and to maintain the City’s infrastructure.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council has the authority to not approve the Amendment to the MOU and direct staff to continue negotiations with further policy direction. While this action is not recommended, should this occur, the existing employment practices would continue until a MOU is approved.
BUDGET IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the current fiscal year budget. The amount of the negotiated agreement is in line with the budget.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-07, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the Execution of Amendment #1, Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Gonzales and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5388, for the period covering January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2026-07
2. IAFF MOU Amendment #1