Voters approved raises for the Onset Fire Department’s four, full-time firefighters and a transfer of funds for an emergency well repair at the Onset Fire District’s Special Meeting.

Held Tuesday in the Dudley L. Brown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, the meeting was required in order to comply with state law. Onset officials had to OK the firefighter’s new contract within 30 days of the initial signing, which is why the meeting was held two days before Thanksgiving.

Prudential Committee Chair Charles Klueber explained that the firefighters – two captains, the district’s fire inspector and one full-time firefighter – received a 2 percent raise this year, a 2.5 percent raise next year and a 3 percent raise in the third year of the contract.

The new contract increases the amount of money firefighters receive for earning additional certifications, such as EMT training. Annual bonuses firefighters earn for longevity were also increased by $100. Firefighters that serve 11 to 15 years now earn $200. Those that serve for 16 to 20 years earn $300 and those on the department for 21 to 25 years now earn a $400 bonus.

Klueber said the contract was “fair and equitable.”

In total, the first year of the contract will cost the district an additional $4,964. Kleuber said the exact amounts aren’t known for years two and three, but he estimated the cost would be $6,350 and $7,213, respectively.

Voters also OK’d transferring $36,830 from the Water Department’s surplus fund to pay for an emergency well repair made this summer.

The complete rehabilitation of the well was required after high levels of coliform, a bacteria, were found. Additionally, the well’s casing was cracked and required “extensive rehabilitation,” according to Board of Water Commissioners Chair Ben Hughes.

The third item on the agenda transferred $50,000 from the district’s “free cash” account to pay retirement benefits for employees. Free cash refers to unspent, otherwise unrestricted funds. Clerk/Treasurer Mary McCoy explained the transfer was requested by the state’s Department of Revenue.

All three agenda items passed unanimously.