To help ease the city’s budget deficit, Rocklin fire and police departments have agreed to forgo salary increases for the next two years.

The city of Rocklin management team met with both the Rocklin Firefighter’s Union Local 3847 and the Rocklin Police Officers’ Association executive board to discuss cost-cutting measures. Both groups agreed to take a salary freeze until 2011.

According to city officials, the salary savings will help the city achieve a balanced budget.

“We do work to make an income, but that is not the most important thing for a firefighter,” said Bill Mikesell, Rocklin Fire Department chief. “It’s the whole idea of helping people.”

Mikesell said the agreement was met through the labor union making a presentation to its members followed by a discussion and decision.

“I’m very proud of Rick Holmes and the leadership he has shown in helping the union get all the facts to make this decision,” Mikesell said. “It’s a very difficult time for our nation, for our state and for our city.”

Holmes, captain and union president said safety remains No. 1 for the department.

“The safety of the public and the firefighters is our primary concern. We remain committed to providing the high level of service that the residents of Rocklin deserve,” Holmes said in a news release.

The Rocklin Police Officers Association consists of both sworn and non-sworn members. The association president, Corporal Bart Paduveris, said all were on board to help the city’s budget deficit.

“The association membership really stepped up to the plate, their support was unanimous,” he said in a news release. “What a lot of people don’t realize is that many of our members call this city home and want to make sure our community remains safe and financially stable.”

City representatives said they were appreciative of the two groups’ willingness to make the salary changes.

Placer Herald’s Lauren Weber can be reached at laurenw@goldcountrymedia.com.