The Police Superior Officers Union, whom Mayor James Fiorentini hailed as "the best of the best," are the first municipal union to agree to revisions in health-care coverage that save the city money.
Fiorentini, in his state of the city address Tuesday, said that if other unions also agree to an increase in co-payments, they will help stave off layoffs by reducing an anticipated $2.5 million budget deficit.
"We have one down and 22 to go," he continued, referring the the 22 other municipal unions in the city. "If we all do it we save $2 million and we don't have to have (layoffs and furloughs)."
He said he is not considering raising taxes in the face of a slow economic recovery.
"I will not ask taxpayers to pay higher and higher taxes in order to pay for an extended benefit package that is ... outdated. Change is the only option."
Fiorentini said that he asked the city unions to take the Blue Cross Blue Shield Value Option plan, which raises co-pays from $5 to $15. He said that the new plan is still an excellent option and that the co-pay rates are competitive with or better than rates in many other health care plans.
The Superior Officers Union also agreed to forgo raises for the next three years. Fiorentini challenged the remaining 22 municipal unions to "take the card," holding up a health-care coverage card that read "City of Haverhill Value Option Plan" in reference to the health care plan that he proposed they adopt.
Police Sgt. Robert Pistone, spokesman for the Police Superior Officers Union, declined comment on the agreement, saying details were to be discussed at the City Council meeting scheduled for March 9. Fiorentini praised police officers who agreed to his idea. "They are the leaders of the police department. They came to me and said 'We want to work with you.'," he said. Fiorentini said that they didn't want their pay cut as part of the deal, and he agreed. Council President Michael J. Hart agreed with Fiorentini that the union did the right thing by agreeing to change health-care plans. "I think it's a reasonable request," he said.
More highlights of the mayor's address:
Fiorentini said he intends to expand single-stream curbside recycling citywide by the end of the year
The mayor called on Haverhill's legislative delegation to fight for full local aid payments
Fiorentini pointed out the growing list of manufacturing companies locating and expanding in Haverhill
For complete text of the mayor's speech, visit www.hgazette.com.
