Houston City Council passes historic settlement with firefighters union

The deal includes $650 million in backpay going back to 2017 but with interest, scheduled raises, and other costs.

HOUSTON — Following months of debate, the Houston City Council voted to approve the settlement contract with the firefighters union, ending a yearslong legal battle.

The council took up the item Tuesday with several council members continuing to ask questions and offering skepticism about certain aspects of the agreement.

The deal includes $650 million in backpay going back to 2017 but with interest, scheduled raises, and other costs. The total expected price tag is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

The council approved the bond to pay for the settlement last week but could not move ahead with the settlement’s passage because City Controller Chris Hollins had not certified the settlement, a necessary step before a vote. Hollins certified the settlement late Monday night.

“Just as my insistence on completing due diligence should not have been interpreted as opposition to the deal, my certification today should not be interpreted as a vote of confidence,” Hollins said in a statement.

Hollins and some council members had expressed concern about the settlement’s cost and future impact on the city’s finances, as the payment would likely take around 25 to 30 years to pay off.

Mayor John Whitmire has maintained his position throughout the process that while negotiations with the union were difficult, the final agreement was ultimately the best figure the city could reach without risking a higher cost and potentially further litigation.

Whitmire also mentioned he would explore ways for the city to get more revenue in the future including from sources from the state and county governments.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Victor Jacobo on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram