Mayor Aaron Montz talked about the need to end a dispute between the city and a labor union representing Tiffin's Public Works employees during a Tiffin city Committee of the Whole meeting Monday.
The workers are represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
"They filed a grievance against a contract that they were presented in March," Montz said. "It's been an ongoing battle. I think it's utterly ridiculous. Earlier this year they tried to keep our pool from opening."
Montz commented on the length of time it took to file the grievance.
"They had to either approve the terms of the contract or go on strike. They did approve the terms, it's just the union leadership is refusing to sign the contract."
Montz said the union accepted the contract 17-4.
An attempt to reach an AFSCME representative was unsuccessful Monday evening.
Montz and city council members say they are confused by the union's actions.
"They accepted the terms of the contract and we did too, but for some reason they don't want to sign it," Council President Paul Elchert said.
"A hearing is set up for Friday with union representatives of the AFSCME union and their representative out of Toledo," Montz said.
Officials hope for a quick resolution.
"This could take up a lot of administrative time that needs to be spent on other things," Councilwoman Lori Ritzler said.
Montz said the financial impact depends on how long the dispute drags out.
The city contracts through a total of four unions representing the police, dispatchers, fire and public works employees.
"It's unfortunate because the article clearly stated that they should be treated as the other unions are, which is the exact same insurance that we all have here at city hall - the same insurance that I'm paying at non-union," Montz said. "I'd like to thank our fire, police and dispatchers for settling so quickly and not having any issues."
City council members briefly discussed a quarter-percent income tax increase for November's ballot.
"Until we get things resolved, (with the unions) I don't think we want to go very much in depth as to where we're putting money, so this isn't thrown back in our face," Montz said.
Law Director Brent Howard and Montz agreed money generated from the tax increase would go toward replacing money lost from the state.
Howard said city council would have to pass a city ordinance mentioning the increase, which then would need to be transferred to the Board of Elections by Aug. 8.
"The increase would be a little less than $1 million," Finance Director Gwynn Reinhart said. "We're looking at $977,000."
Immediately following the Committee of the Whole meeting, the Personnel and Labor Committee met to adjust a policy that currently allows city employees who call in sick to make up hours and receive overtime pay.
The committee passed a motion following the city's request that still allows workers to make up sick hours, but they can no longer receive overtime pay during that pay period if overtime hours are worked.
