The City of San Antonio's negotiations with Police and Fire unions over benefits packages have now entered the courtroom.
The city wants a judge to throw out the "evergreen clause" in their contract that expired September 30th. The clause allows for the last contract to continue until a new contract is signed, for as many as 10 years. The city argues the evergreen clause violates Texas' constitution, since it is an "unfunded debt."
City Manager Sheryl Sculley has argued the current health benefits would leave the city with a $14 million budget shortfall, or 1.6 million per month.
The eight-month negotiation between the city and the public safety unions have been deadlocked, rebooted, and added players, but are we any closer to an agreement? And how does this compare with past city negotiations?
Guests:
- Lou Fox, San Antonio city manager from 1982-1990.
- Ron DeLord, negotiator for San Antonio Police Officers Association.
- Michael Bernard, former city attorney, on the negotiating team for the City of San Antonio. Partner at Bracewell & Giuliani
