Union Negotiations Update

The Council tonight approved the contract between the City and the Public Works Union. This contract was difficult to negotiate but we have reached a successful conclusion. I want thank to our staff, Council and Public Works employees for all the hard work that went into this process. The key points are as follows:

• We have reduced cost in health insurance coverage and moved away from the Cadillac Gold Plan
• There is no cost of living increase for 2 years
• We have improved contract language to better define a number of issues

The most important item was a greater health insurance cost sharing for our health insurance coverage. This is a monumental reform and cost savings for the City. Many government entities have been unable to get their health insurance cost under control. Through this contract we have accomplished a lot. This was not easy but it was necessary for the long term health of the City's finances. I will be recommending that the City move forward now with filling vacant positions as our cost structure is now fixed.