Contract Talks Underway between Police Union, City

Higher taxes make people mad, getting your house broken into 3x in a year makes people move.

What I hope the city realizes we cannot afford is massive construction projects that are bid contracts that end up costing 2 and 3 times what was estimated, some say by design, and take twice as long to build and generate no income except to developers. That is where I think most of the waste is. That and giving a lifetime penison to appointees in city govermnent who worked 5 years for the city. I assure you the average police and fire pension is more like 25% of the numbrs they are putting out. THey are putting out the numbers on the highest paid city officials, not the middle clase employees. As usuai it is upperclass vs the middle class.

I realize that other commentary on here is probably not educated on the details of this matter, but city employess pay nearly 400 dollars a month for their insurance that has copays and deductibles (that is right, both) and they also pay into the pension. The city looked at switching to a 401k but then would have to pay 9% social security for each employees, b/c they are currently on pension, they dont have to pay that. I.e. the city stayed with the pension to save money. Per a pension actuary that was hired and reviewed the situation, all parties on both sides were better off with a pension, it was cheaper and provided more benefit for the employee. I realize there are some haters our there who want everyones benefits to be worse than theirs, but I think we owe it to emergency services to take care of them like they take care of us. Also as I understand it, the city is not liable for pension payments if the pension account was not sufficient. That is why when employees were forced to pay more in the city should at least match that. People are trying to make decisions when they dont have sll the information.

We simply can't afford these bloated pensions and medical benefits any more. We MUST end pensions and post-employment medical benefits for ALL govt employees.

Citizens! Please support your fire and police by showing up to city hall or writing/emailing your city council and the mayor. If you appreciate the job they do, especially if you have been and victim of a fire or a crime and you have seen first hand how these people really make a difference, this is your chance to give back. Please show your appreciation and encourage others to do so. We want the best of the best to be police and fire employees, and that gives you the best of the best in service. It is a win win for everyone when we work together. Dont make the police and fire employees have to have two and three jobs to get by. They are professions and should be comopensated as such. THey are not asking for much, just some time with their families since they work holidays and for the wages and benefits they deserve.