2008 has been a tough year for Boardman Township financially. Layoffs across the board have forced two of three fire stations to close at times. But today, Trustees approved changes to a contract with firefighters. Layoffs, union grievances, and closed fire stations have troubled Boardman Township over the last few months. But both the firefighters union and the township trustees realized it was time to work out a compromise.

Jason Loree, Boardman Township Administrator;  "SO WE CAME TOGETHER, SAT DOWN, TRIED TO WORK OUT AN AGREEMENT THAT WAS BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH PARTIES. AND REALLY IS BENEFICIAL FOR THE TOWNSHIP. IT'S NOT ABOUT THE UNION AND THE TOWNSHIP AT THIS POINT. IT'S ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND HOW TO PROTECT IT. AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID."

The agreement includes a wage freeze for workers, and a 10 percent co-pay on employee health insurance.

Harry Wolfe, Boardman Firefighters' Union President;  "IS IT THE BEST SITUATION? NO, BUT IT'S THE BEST SITUATION FOR THE UNION AND THE TOWNSHIP TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE OVERALL BETTERMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP."

And that is what both sides were looking to do, get something in place that is the best deal for the township residents.

"Loree;  "WHAT THAT DID FOR THE TOWNSHIP AND FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS IS RECOGNIZE THE NEED TO HELP THE TOWNSHIP SAVE MONEY AND SHOW THE COMMUNITY THAT WE'RE TRYING TO PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD TO KEEP SPENDING AT A MINIMUM."

It also reinstated a minimum staffing level. The township must now keep a minimum of 8 firefighters on the schedule every day.

Wolfe, "THIS WILL GUARANTEE TWO FIRE STATIONS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. UNFORTUNATELY IT DOESN'T INCLUDE ALL THREE. I MEAN IF WE WANT ALL THREE WE NEED TO HAVE SOME MORE PEOPLE BACK TO WORK. HOPEFULLY IN THE FUTURE WE'LL BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT."

But that will likely take a levy being passed by the Boardman voters. The union will vote on the tentative pact on Tuesday.