Mayor Kevin Johnson says the Sacramento Police Officers Association is reluctant to make labor concessions this year because of its experience with concessions two years ago.
"They were the first one to come to the table and they thought they would be rewarded," Johnson said. "And the city wasn't in the position to reward them. So they're feeling like, 'why did we come to the table in the first place showing a good faith gesture and then not benefit from it in the back end.'"
Johnson says the two sides will have to reach an agreement to
reduce the number of sworn officers the city will lay off. He says
grant money and retirements could reduce the number of
sworn-officer layoffs to 45.
Sacramento is currently facing a $39 million budget
shortfall. The city fire and parks department are also asking
for fewer cuts.
