Contract hailed as ‘historic’ for first responders
HUTTO — Hutto Fire Rescue has finalized its first collective bargaining agreement covering pay, overtime, safety issues and grievances, firefighters said.
Hutto Fire Rescue, also known as Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3, has joined a growing number of fire departments in Texas taking advantage of the state’s collective-bargaining rule.
The agreement was officially signed at the ESD’s board meeting Dec. 18 after six months of negotiations between Hutto Fire Rescue leadership and the Hutto Professional Firefighters Association-IAFF Local 4707.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting the men and women of Hutto Fire Rescue while ensuring they have the tools and protections they need to serve our community safely and effectively,” said ESD No. 3 board President Todd Robison. “This is a historic time for ESD No. 3.”
More than 71% of those voting in the November election in ESD No. 3’s service area passed Proposition A, paving the way for the fire department to undertake collective bargaining.
The ESD serves 63 square miles including Hutto and some unincorporated areas.
State law prohibits firefighters and police departments from striking or participating in work stoppages, even if they have collectivebargaining rights. Hutto Fire Rescue’s Cassie Balderas said that while the agreement reflects many policies and practices already in place, it also formalizes some existing procedures and establishes clear processes for making decisions.
The agreement covers pay rates, overtime, safety standards and a newly formalized grievance process.
The contract provides an entry level firefighter pay of $62,000 base salary, or $20.65 per hour for a 3,003-hour work year.
A battalion chief with 25 years experience in the ESD has a base pay rate of $201,117 annually.
Firefighters can also receive certification incentive pay and longevity step increases.
“Signing our firstever labor contract is a historic event for IAFF Local 4707 and for Williamson County ESD No. 3,” said Jason Oltman, association president. “It was definitely a long process, but the association looks forward to working closely with Chief (Scott) Kerwood and the ESD moving forward. This has just made our relationship that much stronger.”
Collective bargaining by firefighters and police officers, if approved by local voters, has been allowed by Texas law since 1973. In the 2025 legislative session, the code was updated to put in mediation processes if the bargaining parties reach an agreement. In part, the statute reads, “Firefighters and police officers, like employees in the private sector, should have the right to organize for collective bargaining, as collective bargaining is a fair and practical method for determining compensation and other conditions of employment.
Denying firefighters and police officers the right to organize and bargain collectively would lead to strife and unrest, consequently injuring the health, safety and welfare of the public.”
