A compromise Tuesday by the Miami-Dade County Commission will save hundreds of county employees from being laid off.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez made a plea Tuesday to the Commission to balance the budget by taking another 5 percent from county police and other union members, avoiding layoffs.
"I don't take any pleasure, this administration does not take any pleasure, in issuing layoff notices. We did not want to issue layoff notices," Gimenez said.
A parade of Miami-Dade police officers told commissioners that an additional 5 percent from their pay for health care would be painful and unfair.
“Folks, this is about integrity. We bargained -- we the PBA, and that’s who I speak for, but I think the other unions will also say the same thing -- we bargained in good faith,” said Police Benevolent Association President John Rivera. “We were told, ‘Pass this first part, and we’ll hold off on the layoffs.’ This 5 percent thing was never conditional.”
Commissioner Barbara Jordan proposed a compromise.
"Mr. Mayor, I’m asking you again on the record: Can you at least do 4 percent?" Jordan asked.
"Commissioner, the answer to that is yes. So at this point, commissioner, we can go down to 4 without layoffs utilizing $10 million from the insurance trust fund,” Gimenez said.
The Commission approved the deal in a 7-6 vote, meaning that 118 police officers, 17 correctional officers and 196 county supervisors will keep their jobs, but all employees will pay an additional 4 percent toward their health care.
"I feel good that we won't have those layoffs and certainly the demotions. It keeps the police department intact. It doesn't necessarily keep our employees individually intact; it's going to be a hit for them," said Miami-Dade Police Director James Loftus.
County employees who make about $40,000 per year already are paying $9,800 for health insurance per year. The increase means they will pay an additional $1,600 per year.
"This is nothing more than theft," said Miami-Dade Sgt. Robert Borgman.
Outraged officers were left complaining of a crime, union representatives were screaming about legal retaliation, and even the mayor had mixed emotions.
"You know, there's no joy in my heart," Gimenez said. "I'm really not happy about the whole thing."