La Grange OKs contract with firefighters, lauds 25-year worker upon retirement
In its last meeting before a summer break, the La Grange Village Board July 14 unanimously approved a new contract for firefighters and said goodbye to a valued employee who retired after 25 years of service.
The firefighters, including lieutenants, have been working without a contract since April 30.
“Prior to the expiration of this agreement village staff and union leadership worked collaboratively to address the objectives of both parties,” Trustee Tim O’Brien said in introducing the resolution. “Union membership voted to approve the agreement on June 19.”
The new contract passed without comment from other board members, although President Mark Kuchler thanked village staff and firefighters for “working professionally” to get the contract done.
The contract runs for four years, ending April 30, 2029, and calls for a $71,993 annual starting pay for new hires, effective May 1, followed by increases of 3% in years two and three and 2.75% in the final year.
A firefighter can also receive step increases, so a person hired in the first year of this contract being paid $71,993 can see increases until they max out in year six at a salary of $107,291.
The highest pay a firefighter can earn is if they were hired in the fourth year and stay until year 6, when the salary would be $116,955.
Starting in the first year of this contract, a lieutenant will be paid $114,801 and max out at $125,142.
Firefighters will also participate in the village’s health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans.
Amid the talk of salaries and hiring, La Grange officials also celebrated Milovan “Milo” Gogic, who is calling it a career after years as a general utility worker for the village..
Starting in January, 2000,
Gogic began working for the village in January, 2000, performing a variety of tasks. Officials said he was particularly active in addressing water and sewer repairs, and flooding and weather emergencies.
Board members made clear their feelings about Gogic.
“Milo, we’re going to miss you,” Beth Augustine said. “There are a lot of people in this room tonight just for you … everything that has been said is 100% accurate. Your commitment to this town, a town that you live in and love, shows through. We’re all just better off for seeing you on the streets, in those holes, in those vehicles, doing what you do in any weather.”
Shawana McGee echoed Augustine’s sentiments.
“You reminded me of a silent storm,” she told Gogic. “And what I mean by that is that you are a man that is very quiet, but very powerful in the things you do, in the work you get done. You remind me of someone who is very smooth and easygoing, but someone that is a mighty power.”
Gogic was humble in accepting the accolades.
“I’m really glad and happy that you think of me like that, he said. “I am a resident of La Grange and will continue to worry (about) what’s going on. I’ve already prepared my successor and he will take care of the trees and what needs to be done … I now see how much I mean to you guys. You guys are family.”
Gogic is an opera singer and trained arborist who is famous throughout the village for singing “Happy Birthday” in local Arbor Day tree plantings.
At Kuchler’s urging, he performed a spirited, shortened version of “O Sole Mio.”
“I’ll just stay here as a resident of La Grange,” Gogic said about his retirement plans. “I’ll just keep busy, and help the village if they need help … most of the time I’ll be around here.”
After a mid-summer break, the next La Grange Village Board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25, at the La Grange Village Hall, 53 S. La Grange Rd.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.