Fire union approves pension changes in new contract

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville fire union on Wednesday approved a tentative contract with the city of Jacksonville that includes pension reform backed by Mayor Lenny Curry.

The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters approved the contract by a margin of 77-23 percent.

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The chief officers' support was even greater 86-14 percent. 

Curry released the following statement:

“Today represents another step toward solving Jacksonville's pension crisis once and for all in a way that is good for taxpayers, first responders, and the future of our city. I thank IAFF union leadership and membership for working with me and reaching this historic agreement.” 

The Fraternal Order of Police approved its contract with the city last month. 

RELATED: FOP membership approves mayor's pension deal

Last fall, Duval County voters approved a new half-cent sales tax to begin in 2030 to pay off Jacksonville's $2.7 billion pension deficit, but it can only go into effect if the city and its unions can reach an agreement to close existing pension plans.

The Police and Fire Pension Fund board still has to approve the contracts, as does the Jacksonville City Council.

The mayor's office has not released how much the new plan will cost taxpayers and how much the pension board would be responsible for.