Salaries will increase for the six union firefighters in Brookfield over the next three years but it shouldn't affect taxes for now, according to Brookfield trustee Chair Phil Schmidt.

The trustees and the local firefighters union came up with an agreement in late February to increase the salaries 5 percent this year, 4 percent in the second year and 3 percent in the third year. Trustees approved the contract Monday.

"The current budget covers the wages for the next two year, but by the third year we may have to look into additional funding," Schmidt said.

A 2-mill fire levy going on the ballot in May is for the upgrade of fire equipment, but some of it could eventually go toward the wage increase, Schmidt added.

Five of the firefighters earned $28,837 last year. This year, with the 5 percent increase, they'll make $30,278; next year they will earn $31,489 and will earn $32,434 by the third year.

The assistant chief's salary, which was $31,682 in 2001, will rise $1,554 this year, then $1,305 in 2003 and $1,018 in 2004.

The uniform allowance also went up by $50 a year, giving the six firefighters $550 a year, which is the same uniform allowance for full-time employees of the Brookfield police department, according to Fire Chief Keith Barrett.

Though the fire department employs 25 part-timers, the six full-time firefighters are the only members who are part of the local union.

Negotiations began in November and the newly approved contract is retroactive to Jan. 1, Schmidt said.