After declaring an impasse back in May the Board of Supervisors are set to hear recommendations about contract negotiations with the Kern County Firefighters Union.

Union reps argued that Kern County firefighters are paid nearly 20 percent less than the average firefighters in surrounding areas.

Tuesday the board will hear recommendations from a neutral fact-finding panel established after the deadlock.

The panel recommends the county adopt a proposal to shorten firefighter work periods from 28 days to 18, maintain the same salary but implement a 3 percent equity raise starting next year, and add a 5 percent base pay increase to members who maintain EMT certification.

They also recommend adopting a contract term agreement to last through June 30, 2021.