By Steven Alford
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A resolution approved Tuesday by the City Council instructs City Manager Ron Olson to reach an agreement in ongoing contract negotiations with fire union officials by July 13.
If an agreement is not reached by the deadline, Olson is instructed to redistribute funds earmarked for the city’s offer back into the general fund.
Shortly after the resolution’s reading at City Hall, fire union officials condemned the council’s decision.
“We can still come to the table I believe and come to an agreement, but to give an ultimate deadline and give a lot of stipulations in a resolution I believe, in my opinion, is illegal, and we’ll let legal counsel decide,” said Carlos Torres, Corpus Christi Firefighters Association president.
The City Council met in executive session with Olson for nearly an hour before reading and approving the resolution. It passed unanimously, with council member Priscilla Leal abstaining.
The city has offered firefighters a $5.1 million increase in total compensation, including health care benefits, and a 6 percent pay increase during the next two years.
That amount is the highest the city manager has been instructed to offer, according to the resolution.
It represents nearly half of the $10.6 million in revenue projected for the city the next two years. The Fire Department represents 20 percent of the city budget, city officials said.
Last week, fire union officials sought $12.6 million in compensation, which represents a 37 percent increase in the figure the next two years.
Fire union officials have since returned with a lowered offer of about $10.5 million in compensation, still more than double what the city is prepared to offer, Olson said.
“I think it’s important to understand it’s a resolution of directions to me,” he said. “They are trying to give me some boundaries on how I and my staff will negotiate.”
Negotiations have continued for more than a year as firefighters have requested lower health premiums similar to those for police officers, who pay nearly half what firefighters do in monthly premiums.
Though city officials disagreed with a factfinding report that sided with firefighters after an impasse was declared in March, Olson said the city has worked to bring an offer that would satisfy union demands.
“We value very much what our firefighters do for the city, and none of this is personal; it’s all business,” Olson said. “It’s trying to get the public’s business done effectively.”
Both sides will resume negotiations during a public meeting at 1 p.m. today at the fire union hall, 6014 Ayers Street.
Copyright 2012 Corpus Christi Caller-Times