County and volunteer association negotiate MOA with LOSAP and health-screening benefits; legislation expected

The Public Safety Committee reviewed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) for FY2027–2029. Committee staff said the MOA was negotiated with multiple parties and included items that require council action and appropriation.

Wellens (council staff) summarized the primary fiscal items: a 2.5% increase in association funding with an FY27 fiscal impact of roughly $8,000–$9,000; modest increases in volunteer nominal fees; a new Public Safety Training Academy course (approximate fiscal impact $50,000); and a set of health-screening and cancer-detection reimbursements for active volunteers. Specifically, the MOA would allow reimbursement for ultrasound testing once every 36 months and up to $800 once every 10 years for certain multicancer early-detection blood testing. Staff said LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) amendments negotiated with the association will require enabling legislation that the executive has transmitted and that staff will format for council introduction.

Chief Reiman, the MCVFRA chief negotiator, characterized the bargaining as collaborative and highlighted items intended to protect volunteers and improve recruitment and retention, including aligning some screenings and benefits with those available to career partners. The county’s legislative staff confirmed they had received proposed legislation from the county executive and would prepare it for the council agenda.

Committee members praised the collaborative negotiation and the enhancements for volunteers and recorded a 3–0 recommendation to advance the package to the council alongside the forthcoming legislation. Staff said the budget as presented can accommodate the negotiated FY27 impacts if the legislation and appropriate appropriations are approved.

Representative quotes:
“This is a great opportunity through the collective bargaining process, and I look forward to a favorable vote.” — Chief Reiman, MCVFRA chief negotiator.
“The association funding would be increased under the new MOA by 2.5%… which would be the first item for your consideration.” — Wellens, committee staff.

Ending: Staff will introduce accompanying legislation and the MOA package will be scheduled for full-council consideration and any necessary appropriations.