Does this change current employee wages or benefits?
No. Any wages and benefits that have already been agreed upon will remain in place and will not be affected by this change.
What does this mean for City employees?
City employees will continue serving in their current roles and departments. The city remains committed to open communication, employee engagement, and working collaboratively with staff to address workplace needs and priorities moving forward.
Would continuing with the Union affect resident taxes?
The issue is not the impact of a single arbitration decision. The real concern is that with three separate bargaining units, unfavorable arbitration awards across all three could create substantial recurring costs that may require significant tax increases or other budget adjustments.
How would keeping the Union affect City residents?
Based on financial projections, maintaining the current collective bargaining structure would have continued to increase pressure on the City’s operating budget. Over time, this could have limited the City’s ability to maintain current service levels, address aging infrastructure needs, and invest in future community priorities.
How does this impact the City budget?
The decision was made as part of broader efforts to maintain long-term fiscal sustainability. City leadership determined that the projected financial obligations associated with the current structure were not sustainable within future operating budgets without significant financial strain.
Why not use grant money or bond money to pay for the Union?
Grant and bond funds are usually designated for specific projects, such as road repairs, utility improvements, or other capital investments. These funds generally cannot be used to pay for ongoing expenses like employee wages and benefits. Because wages and benefits are recurring costs, they must be funded through the City’s regular operating budget.