January 11, 2010

Town Manager Stancil and Mayor Kleinsmidt, 
 

      We are writing to request a meeting with the two of you to discuss some issues related to the fire department Benefit/salary package. We are very appreciative to the town government and management team for their leadership in previous years which has helped promote positive growth and improvement in the quality of service we are able to provide. 

      Inspite of these improvements, however, there have been recent changes in benefits and indications of additional modifications in the near future that give us cause for concern.

Furthermore a lack of cost of living raises the last two years and no merit raises in recent history push us backward and there are discrepancies between town departments in pay and benefits. We recognize that these are difficult times fiscally for all municipalities, But would like to shed light on a perceived developing negative pattern within our Town. 
 

      We believe that these are concerns that should be addressed in a timely fashion. As a new Mayor and Council begin their terms of service and leadership we would like the opportunity to sit down at the table and share our concerns and ideas. We would also like to give the Town Manager and Council the opportunity to learn more about the Fire Service, What we do, the quality service we strive to provide, and what it takes to constantly maintain and improve that service for the citizens and visitors to our community.  Developing a positive relationship of understanding will help all of us further our mission with success. 

Please contact us and let us know when we may set up a meeting. 
 

Sincerely,  

Keith Gaudette

Executive Secretary

Chapel Hill Firefighters Association