DeKalb firefighters and city officials reached a two-year wage agreement that was approved by the DeKalb City Council at its meeting Oct. 28.

The agreement was ratified on Oct. 26 after three months of mediation between the city and the International Association of Firefighters, Local No. 1236.

The contract is effective from July 1, 1988 to June 30, 1990.

Firefighters will receive a 4.5 percent wage increase, retroactive from July 1, 1988. On Jan. 1, 1989, firefighters will receive a 5 percent wage increase, and on July 1, 1989, a 4.75 percent increase. Typical salaries for firefighters employed for more than four years are increased from $27,515 to $30,267 during the two-year contract.

The contract reduces overtime, insurance and sick leave benefits. Assistant City Manager Gary Boden, who was chief negotiator for the city, said overtime costs will be reduced for the fire department by about 30 percent annually.

Steve Reid, president of the 42-member International Association of Firefighters Local 1236, negotiated for the firefighters. Attorney Wayne Klocke represented the firefighters.

During negotiations in July, both firefighters and city officials filed charges of bad faith bargaining with the Illinois Labor Relations Board. Both parties dropped the charges in August, Boden said.