The previous contracts voted down last month called for 3, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 percent raises.
“When we voted down the contracts last month, we had a window of opportunity,” said Councilman Mike Sottolano. “The previous contracts were more expensive. I think it’s a good sign when you have both sides sit down and see the financial impact.”
Councilwoman Nidia Lopez voted against the contracts, which will cost the city approximately $32 million more over the course of the contract years, but also save $11 million in lower raises and healthcare costs.
“Police and firefighters are commendable,” Lopez said. “But my dad always said ‘if it doesn’t feel right, if it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it’ so I vote no.”
Councilwoman Viola Richardson was absent.
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