Cape Girardeau Mayor addresses firefighter contract, election issues

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Cape Girardeau mayoral candidate Stacy Kinder is outlining her position on ongoing contract negotiations with the city’s firefighter’s union ahead of the April 7 election.

In a recent statement, Kinder said the city has approached negotiations with IAFF Local 1084 with a focus on increasing firefighter pay and benefits while maintaining the city’s long-term financial stability.

Kinder said a 2016 contract between the city and the union contributed to budget overruns totaling more than $2.7 million between 2020 and 2025. She attributed the overruns to overtime practices and other provisions she described as unsustainable.

She also highlighted changes made in recent years, including increases in starting pay, additional staffing and higher contributions to retirement benefits for firefighters.

Kinder criticized the union’s involvement in the mayoral race and its endorsement of opponent Robbie Guard, raising questions about how a new contract would be funded if negotiated under a different administration.

She said financial decisions related to the fire department must consider impacts on other city services, including police and public works.

Negotiations between the city and IAFF Local 1084 remain ongoing.