Houston City Council adopts agreement with firefighters union

HOUSTON — After months of debate, the Houston City Council voted to approve the settlement contract with the firefighters’ union, ending a years-long legal battle.

The council addressed the issue Tuesday, with several council members continuing to ask questions and showing skepticism about some aspects of the deal.

The deal includes $650 million in back payments dating back to 2017, but with interest, scheduled increases and other costs. The expected total price tag is estimated at around $1.5 billion.

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The council approved the bond to pay the settlement last week, but could not proceed with adopting the settlement because City Comptroller Chris Hollins had not certified the settlement, a necessary step before a vote. Hollins certified the settlement late Monday evening.

“Just as my insistence on doing due diligence should not have been construed as opposition to the deal, my certification today should not be construed as a vote of confidence,” Hollins said in a statement.

Hollins and some council members had expressed concerns about the cost of the settlement and its future impact on the city’s finances, as the payment would likely take about 25 to 30 years to pay off.

Mayor John Whitmire maintained his position throughout the process that although negotiations with the union were difficult, the final agreement was ultimately the best number the city could achieve without risking higher costs and potentially new disputes.

Whitmire also mentioned he would explore ways the city can raise more revenue in the future, including from state and county governments.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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