City leaders approved a new collective bargaining agreement for city firefighters, as well as a 60% hike in the water utility revenue surcharge.The new agreement, which aims to enhance working conditions, benefits and compensation for firefighters, was approved between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 42 and the City of Excelsior Springs. IAFF entered into talks with the city on behalf of local firefighters.Excelsior Springs City Manager Molly McGovern noted most revisions to the original agreement are intended for clarification and are relatively minor.However, a significant change relates to hours and overtime. The regular rate of pay will now be calculated by dividing the annual salary by 2,774 hours instead of 1,902 hours for the purpose of determining overtime rates.This change comes after Excelsior Springs Fire Department personnel expressed concern over the approval of the original ordinance – which resu...