RES 057 Draft 01 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii anticipates a $1.3 billion budget shortfall over the next two years based on the March 29, 2011, estimates from the Council on Revenues, which may result in reduced tax allotments from the State to the County creating the possibility of a significant reduction in revenue for fiscal year 2012 -2013; and WHEREAS, although the Council is seeking to reinstate the current furlough program in the 2011 -2012 operating budget, it will not require the furlough of these essential police and fire public safety personnel; and WHEREAS, while the Council acknowledges and appreciates the dedicated service of the police and fire employees whose quality is second to none, the dire economic realities facing the County of Hawaii dictate that painful cuts must be made by all government employees, including police and fire; and WHEREAS, the administration is currently in negotiations with the police and fire bargaining units and can during the course of those negotiations obtain an agreement that gives the County of Hawaii the authority to implement a minimum five percent pay reduction in the fiscal year 2011 -2012; and WHEREAS, the savings of a five percent reduction in salary and wages could be utilized to reduce the unprecedented $20 million plus in deferment of expenses slated for the fiscal year 2012- 2013 operating budget; and WHEREAS, due to the collective bargaining format, only the four County Mayors and Governor have the ability to meet with the various union leadership to give the County of Hawaii the authority to implement a wage reduction; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII, that Mayor William P. Kenoi, in conjunction with the Mayors of Kauai, Maui, and the City and County of Honolulu and the Governor, is strongly urged to negotiate a master agreement that allows the County of Hawaii the flexibility to implement a minimum five percent wage reduction for police and fire employees that were not subject to the furlough program implemented in fiscal year 2010- 2011 by supplemental agreement pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statues, Section 89 -6(e). 2