Collective Bargaining Fire Meeting 07/23↨/2026

This City of El Paso, Texas collective bargaining meeting held on July 23, 2026, focused primarily on negotiations between the city and Local 51 firefighters union regarding contract terms and compensation. Key procurement-related discussions included the city's proposal to maintain a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), embed a 5% fire step increase, and add a 12th step starting in fiscal year 2030, with an overall four-year cost of $42.9 million. The city also proposed healthcare cost increases, sick and vacation leave payoffs starting in 2028, and longevity pay increases phased through fiscal years 2027 to 2030. The union countered with a 4% COLA and immediate step increases, highlighting the significant fiscal impact of these changes. Additionally, the parties debated the inclusion of a clause allowing contract adjustments if state law changes materially reduce the city's revenue authority, with the union rejecting the so-called "Austin clause" and proposing alternative language emphasizing mutual negotiation in such events. Other topics included committee structures, meeting minutes, and annual reporting requirements. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but the meeting centered on budget allocations and labor contract terms affecting city expenditures.