Whitmire is thinking about cutting five percent from every department in the City, with the exception of the police and fire departments, to help with the projected $160 million shortfall that currently exists.
“A 5% reduction is not something I am fond of right now, but sometimes difficult choices must be made. People have put their faith in me to make these difficult choices, and I plan to do my job,” Whitmire said.
An agreement that came about to end the protracted labor dispute between firemen and the government required a substantial financial outlay. In addition to $180 million in yearly salary increases over the next five years, the settlement includes $650 million for seven years of back pay.
Analysts claim that compared to what an arbitrator would have most likely awarded the impacted firemen, the arrangement offers taxpayers a significant decrease.
“The City will have to make a financial sacrifice for this.” City Council Member Willie Davis said, “Well, it looks like we have two options here: either we end up with a deficit of $1.2 billion or a deficit of $650 million.”
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A council member named Tiffany Thomas voiced her worries about the growing budget deficit. “Are we going to provide assistance to the people of Houston?” Does disposing of rubbish come with a cost? Should we pay for parking after six o’clock? Do we need to go after Metro’s money? What precisely is our strategy here, then? Thomas asked.
The mayor said that they are now looking for ways to increase funds, which may include asking the public for assistance. “I refuse to act in a manipulative manner that endangers the lives of others. “We have a duty to come to an agreement with the firefighters and ensure the safety of the people of Houston,” Whitmire said. “I refuse to play political games when it comes to people’s lives.”