Chula Vista Firefighers, City Agree On Money-Saving Deal

From 10News.com, January 3

CHULA VISTA, CA – The city of Chula Vista has reached an agreement with the city's firefighter's union on a deal that will save that cash-strapped city close to $1 million every year.

"We're doing it because we have to," said Capt. Mike Nash, president of the Chula Vista Firefighters Local 2180.

Beginning January 14, city firefighters will begin paying 9 percent into their pensions. They will also give up 4.5 percent of future wage increases and agreed to a two-tiered hiring system. The agreement will save the city about $913,000 annually and $4.7 million over the life of the deal. Chula Vista is in the midst of trying to slash $18.5 million from its $133 million budget.

"We're going to be feeling the hurt. It's going to be very painful for many of our members," said Nash.

In return, firefighters are protected from future layoffs over the life of the two-and-a-half year deal. They also saved three jobs from elimination this year.

"We're maintaining the same service level tomorrow as we are today," said Nash.

"Our employees are choosing service before self," said Chula Vista City Manager Jim Sandoval.

The firefighter's union is the latest city union to accept pension reform. Four of the five bargaining units are now paying at least 8 percent into their pensions. The only union that hasn't reached an agreement with the city is the Chula Vista Police Officers Association.

"My hope is that they will see what the other unions have done and sit down and talk to us," said Sandoval.

Police union representatives previously argued there are millions of untapped dollars the city could dip into or cut before making any changes to public safety.

Before the recent pension agreements, 146 positions were slated to be cut. The pension agreements have cut that down to 107.

Unfortunately, Sandoval said because Proposition H failed in the November elections, severe cuts still have to be made. Those cuts include at least 50 layoffs, the closing of a senior center and the slashing of recreation programs and the graffiti abatement program.

Those cuts are expected to take effect January 7.