City Council approves wage increase for Le Mars fire department

LE MARS, Iowa (KTIV) - Some changes are coming to the paychecks of first responders at Le Mars Fire Rescue.

On Tuesday, the Le Mars City Council approved a proposal to remove the department from the city’s collective bargaining agreement for wages, allowing for an increase.

Le Mars Fire Rescue Chief David Schipper told KTIV 4 that the department’s current wages are among the lowest in the state of Iowa, so the changes are necessary to keep up with the growing number of assignments in the community.

“What the council approved today was a jump in pay based on extending our steps,” said Schipper. “Now we’re gonna be sitting where we’re just a bit below average start pay but on the top end, we’re gonna be above average of all the fire rescue departments in the state of Iowa.“

Schipper noted that the city council’s approval means the department will be able to hire new employees and retain current ones. The new wages will be in effect starting July 1.

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