EUSTIS, Fla. — The Eustis Firefighters, represented by Local 4731, are calling for public support as their contract negotiations with the City of Eustis have stalled since early 2024. Firefighters say they have made minimal progress in securing competitive wages and benefits comparable to neighboring fire departments.

According to Local 4731, the city’s negotiating team has repeatedly rejected their proposals for pay and benefits that align with surrounding departments, leading to ongoing frustrations within the department. The union cites a troubling trend of employee departures due to subpar compensation. Since 2021, the department has lost six employees to other fire departments or EMS agencies, in addition to three individuals who left to start their own businesses.

(Eustis Professional Firefighters Local 4731 recently put out a social media post urging locals to tune into the livestream discussion which was today.)

With Eustis experiencing continuous growth, firefighters argue that retaining experienced personnel is crucial to the safety and efficiency of emergency services in the city. In response to the ongoing contract dispute, Local 4731 live-streamed its negotiation session with the city on Facebook today.

Key Contract DisputesAmong the primary sticking points in negotiations are paramedic incentives, wage increases, ride-up engineer stipends, and retroactive pay:

Paramedic Incentive: The City of Eustis has proposed a $9,975 incentive for 2025, while surrounding departments offer higher incentives: Lake County Fire Rescue ($12,958), Leesburg Fire Department ($13,000), and Groveland Fire Department ($12,900).

Annual Wage Increases: The city is offering a 5% raise each year from 2025 through 2027. In contrast, Mount Dora Fire Department employees are set to receive an 8% raise in 2025, followed by 6% in both 2026 and 2027. Groveland Fire Department is offering a 10% raise in 2025 and 6% in 2026.

Ride-Up Engineer Stipend: Eustis firefighters receive an additional $1.00 per hour for riding up out of grade, while Mount Dora firefighters receive $1.50 per hour.

Retroactive Pay: Historically, the City of Eustis has honored retroactive pay adjustments if a contract was not ratified by October, the start of a new fiscal year. However, the city’s negotiating team has stated they will withhold wage adjustments until a contract is finalized and will not offer back pay for the months that have passed without a contract, which firefighters see as a pressure tactic.

How Citizens Can HelpLocal 4731 is urging Eustis residents to show their support in various ways:

(Members of Eustis Professional Firefighters Local 4731.)

Engaging on Social Media: Citizens can share posts and comment on Local 4731’s social media pages, as well as on the City of Eustis’ social media pages, to voice their concerns.

Attending City Commission Meetings: The union stresses the importance of public presence at City of Eustis Commission meetings to demonstrate support for fair firefighter wages and benefits.

“We are fighting hard to ensure the betterment and strength of our department,” Local 4731 stated. “By your involvement and support, we hope to reach a fair agreement that mirrors those of surrounding communities.”

For more information, citizens can follow Local 4731’s social media pages or attend upcoming commission meetings to stay updated on the negotiations.