By FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

An ordinance approving and ratifying the recently negotiated collective bargaining agreement between the City of Portsmouth and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 512, for the period of Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2014, failed to garner enough votes to pass at Monday’s Portsmouth City Council meeting.

When the item came up for second reading, Third Ward Councilman Nick Basham moved to suspend the rule requiring three readings. That question passed by a 5-1 vote, First Ward Councilman Kevin Johnson casting the lone dissenting vote.

Fifth Ward Councilman Jim Kalb moved the ordinance be passed. That’s when Basham spoke up.

“Speaking for myself I really wrestled with this. I spent the weekend talking to a lot of people, everywhere from former Councilmen and women to the local barber, to the neighbors, family and co-workers, ” Basham said. “And I wish the firefighters had went for a one-year contract until we can get our financial house in order. I personally have a hard time with raises when we’re still paying off our deficit.”

The contract called for no pay increase in 2012, a three percent pay increase in 2013 and another three percent pay increase in 2014, but at the same time called for firefighters to pay three percent more of their pensions in each of those years, in addition to more of their benefits package, as well as several other concessions.

When the vote was taken only Kalb and Council President John Haas voted to pass the ordinance. Basham, Johnson, Sixth Ward Councilman Steve Sturgill and Second Ward Councilman Rich Saddler voted no.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.