Consider union proposal to freeze hiring and defer payments to balance budget
In Plain English
City employee unions proposed budget cuts including freezing all hiring, deferring some department spending, and skipping a scheduled payment to the retiree health fund. The proposal aims to address the city's budget shortfall for fiscal year 2021. If approved, some city services could be reduced due to vacant positions remaining unfilled.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
to adopt union budget proposal Option E, excluding double counted amounts, adding back the Lieutenant position, and with no cuts for employees' making under $100,000 per year
2 to 5
to delay the police vehicle replacements in the amount of $880,000
to place the matter of the police vehicle replacements on the budget checklist and reviewed at the next City Council meeting
4 to 3
Related Items
Receive monthly financial reports for January 2026
Mar 17, 2026
Receive monthly financial reports for December 2025
Feb 17, 2026
Receive monthly financial reports for November 2025 including investments and overtime
Jan 20, 2026
Meet privately with union negotiators to discuss employee contracts
Mar 24, 2026
Approve new 3-year contract with firefighters union covering wages and benefits
Mar 17, 2026
Receive January financial reports and approve updated financial policies
Mar 17, 2026
Meet privately with union representatives to discuss employee contracts
Mar 17, 2026
Amend city staffing list and allocate salary and benefits
Feb 24, 2026
Approve hiring temporary fire department supervisors and add other city positions
Feb 24, 2026
Receive presentation on Rent Board staffing levels and recruitment
Feb 18, 2026