City, Firefighters End Talks Divided on Pay
A monthlong arbitration hearing between the Anaheim Firefighters Assn. and the city over contract conditions ended Thursday with the two sides remaining far apart on wages.
The firefighters have asked for what would amount to a 15% wage increase by January.
Firefighter representatives said their demands are not excessive because they have not received a wage increase since 1996, when the last contract ended. They said the increase will put wages on par with other county firefighters.
David Hill, personnel director for the city, insists that the city’s 3.5% wage increase proposal is consistent with the city’s ability to pay. He said an expert witness for the city testified that because of a relatively low increase in property taxes, an expected decrease in revenue from Anaheim Public Utilities and the negative impact on sales taxes from construction, Anaheim will have a decreased revenue over the next several years.
Randy Hudgins, the firefighters’ economic expert witness, countered by saying the city consistently has excess revenue in its general fund.
“The city isn’t broke. It’s a priority issue,” Hudgins said.
The arbitrator is expected to rule by early next year.
Judy Silber can be reached at (714) 966-5988.
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