The Budget and Finance Committee moved to put a tentative labor-management agreement with AFSCME locals on for passage after convening an executive session to discuss the contract and personnel matters. The ordinance would authorize the city to accept a tentative agreement covering AFSCME locals 190, 223, 240, 250, 1543 and 3119.
The committee chair said the agreement includes wage increases of 5 percent, 4 percent and 3 percent across the three-year term, $1,500 lump-sum payments in each of the first two years, increases to longevity and the city's deferred compensation match, and several health-care-related concessions including a spousal surcharge and changes to prescription tiers. "There are lump sum payments of $1,500 each in each of the first 2 years," the administration said during the meeting.
Why it matters: The contract affects hundreds of city employees represented by AFSCME and has direct budgetary implications for personnel costs and benefits administration.
Discussion and concerns: Several council members raised procedural concerns about timing. Council member Walsh told the administration the agenda item was provided only minutes before the meeting and said, "This is unacceptable, and I'm not comfortable moving forward today on this." Other members urged trust in the administration's bargaining team but said they wanted adequate time to review contract details and suggested discussing the agreement in the executive session already convened for bargaining.
Administrative context and next steps: The committee voted to convene in executive session under Ohio Revised Code §121.22(G)(1) (appointment of a public employee) and §121.22(G)(4) (bargaining strategy) and then resumed business, after which the chair said, "I see no objections from my colleagues. We'll put item number 31 for passage." The transcript does not record a roll-call vote on final passage in committee. Any final approval or amendment may occur at the full council meeting.
Ending: Council members asked the administration to provide additional briefings and materials so members can fully evaluate the financial and operational impacts before a final council vote.