By Tony Plohetski
The Austin American-Statesman
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin paramedics agreed Friday to discuss the possibility of giving up or delaying pay raises next year, a decision that could save the city about $755,000.
The move comes two days after a similar announcement by police union officials.
Late Thursday, city leaders sent a letter to representatives of the Austin-Travis County EMS Employees Association asking them to return to contract negotiations during the next several weeks.
“As you are aware, the City of Austin is currently faced with significant economic challenges,” City Manager Marc Ott wrote to the union. “Although the economic conditions were strained when we approved your contract, no one could have envisioned our current situation.”
Union President Steve Stewart said paramedics are willing to discuss their pay with the city.
“One of the things that is going to make a difference to us is what they use the money for,” he said. “We would like to see it used to better the EMS response for Austin and Travis County.”
EMS union officials signed a contract with the city last year that gives the agency’s 450 paramedics a 2.75 percent pay raise in 2010.
On Wednesday, officials with the Austin Police Association agreed to consider forfeiting or deferring a 2.75 percent pay increase next year, which could save the city about $5 million .
The two groups, which negotiate their pay and benefits with the city, are the only city employees set to get raises next year.
Police union officials have said that they hope their decision will help preserve a police cadet class scheduled to begin in September and will result in the hiring of about 100 new officers.
Officials have said that the city is facing a $30 million budget shortfall for 2010 that could rise to $44 million if the city decides not to increase the property tax rate next year.
City officials unveiled several cost-cutting proposals Monday, including closing nine city pools and reducing operating hours at 24 other pools, increasing ambulance fees and reducing hours at library branches.
EMS officials have been asked to cut about $1.6 million from their $42 million budget.
They plan to raise ambulance fees for patients from $515 to $885 to help make up the $1.6 million. EMS officials are also considering cutting an additional $800,000 in operational costs, such as reducing cell phone expenses.
EMS director Ernesto Rodriguez praised the union’s decision.
“It is the perfect thing we would like to see them do,” he said. “That gives the city more flexibility with what they can do with the remaining money.”
City Council members also praised the union.
“It is very commendable of them,” Council Member Mike Martinez said. “They deserve the support of the community for stepping forth in difficult times.”
Council Member Laura Morrison said, “The fact that we have so many challenges in our budget right now, this shows that people are willing to roll up their sleeves and do what they can.”
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