AURORA — The City Council on Monday night approved a new contract for city firefighters next year, a last-minute change of heart that keeps the issue from being decided by voters.
“Obviously, we are very happy,” said Tom Buescher, an attorney representing the Aurora Fire Department union. “This was a positive step. It was a hard decision for them to make.”
The city and the fire department union were at odds over how pension benefits are paid. The city wanted to continue the current pension plan, similar to a 401(k).
The union wanted to have the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado take over management of its pensions. The city feared losing control of the pension process.
An outside arbitrator recently sided with the fire union.
But this month, the City Council rejected that recommendation, which would have forced the issue onto the November ballot.
After meeting in executive session Monday afternoon, council members changed their mind, although even those who supported it said it could cost the city more money down the road, based on the future unpredictability of financial markets.
Councilman Bob FitzGerald, who voted in favor of the new contract, called the process “tortured balancing.”
The resolution passed by an 8-2 vote. Another matter to put the issue before voters in November was tabled indefinitely, killing it.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
