Union employees in the city of Fairlawn are getting raises.
It starts with full time police, fire and service department workers, but it doesn't stop there.
"We've also been able to settle with our communication specialists and our part time fire and police for the same amount, again 2.25%" said Mayor Bill Roth. "I think it's a very fair agreement for both sides."
Roth says the unions negotiated "wage re-openers" into their contracts that expire at the end of 2013. That means the two sides can negotiate for salary adjustments before the end of the contract, but with no guarantees. Roth says revenues have been on the rise, allowing for the city to agree to wage hikes. That's something that didn't happen at all over the last year.
The slowly expanding local economy will also result in addressing some of the city's roads.
"We're going to expand our road repair and replacement program because of the uptick in revenue," said Roth.
Despite the positive news, he wants to remain cautious, at least until he can gauge how the actions of state and federal lawmakers impact local governments in 2013.
