Houston City Council expected to vote on $1.5 billion firefighter deal, but Comptroller Chris Hollins must first certify the deal

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on the city’s new contract with the fire department, but before that, Comptroller Chris Hollins must certify the roughly $1.5 billion deal, which he told ABC13 that he couldn’t do.

This certification, however, constitutes a crucial step in a battle that has lasted for years. Certifying means that the item is included on the agenda.

Hollins, who certifies financial items submitted to the board, also did not certify the agreements last week because he said his office needed more time to review the agreements.

The same thing could happen on Wednesday.

PREVIOUS STORY: Houston’s proposed deal with city fire department will cost taxpayers nearly $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion

The $1.5 billion deal includes $650 million in back pay for Houston firefighters who went seven years without a contract. It also includes increases of 34% over the next five years.

Hollins says the city will have to post a bond to pay.

READ MORE: City of Houston moves forward with $650M deal with firefighters union

The new financial year begins on July 1, so if the regulation is not respected within this deadline, it is referred to the judge.

That judge can grant an extension, but if he or she doesn’t, all other options would be subject to state law, which says the city would have to pay firefighters a private-sector equivalent.

It would also change the payment structure in other ways.

The mayor’s office says this could effectively double the current $650 million back pay deal, putting that figure closer to $1.2 billion.

SEE ALSO: Mayor orders lawyer to withdraw appeal of city’s challenge in case involving fire department backlogs

This is simply the base payment amount, it does not take into account interest.

This means you would consider applying interest on the $1.2 billion figure instead of $650 million.

PREVIOUS STORY: Houston City Council set to discuss $1 billion firefighter pay deal Tuesday after moving item last week

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