IAFF Demand to Bargain - October 5, 2026

The October 5, 2026, IAFF demand-to-bargain meeting with MyEscambia focused first on the county’s possible elimination of assigned vehicles for battalion chiefs. The union argued that assigned vehicles improve emergency readiness and spread mileage and maintenance across the fleet, and presented vehicle-use and cost comparisons, including an estimated $67,000 current replacement value per battalion vehicle. County representatives made no decision; they will ask finance staff to review the analysis before further discussion. No vehicle purchase, contract award, or related vote was identified, and no implementation date has been set.

The parties also discussed procedures for employees whose driver’s licenses are suspended, including administrative suspensions, pending DUI cases, job-description requirements, and possible probation or rehabilitation measures. County representatives said they would consult legal counsel and administration and return with proposals, with a follow-up discussion tentatively targeted for early December. A county representative also noted that a provision to add a dedicated mental-health counselor for Escambia County to the Marathon contract, funded by reallocating money, was scheduled for County Commission consideration on October 15; no approval occurred at this meeting.