AMEA update: COVID-19 City budget impacts

Dear AMEA Member,

We hope this email finds you and your family safe.

As you know, our scheduled wage increase has been implemented. From the outset, we have strongly encouraged the City to approach its financial challenges wisely and cautiously. To date, that is what the City has done. We have not had any further discussions with the City or been informed of any negative impact of the City's financial condition on AMEA members. We do know that the City's budget shortfall has been reduced somewhat because of certain COVID-19 related expenses the City has been able to receive reimbursement for through the federal CARES Act.

We can also tell you that there are serious ongoing negotiations in Washington D.C. regarding a new federal stimulus package, and that an important part of those negotiations is additional state and local government funding which could substantially make up for the City's lost revenue in calendar 2020. We expect news as to the extent and nature of any additional federal funding by Labor Day.

We are in uncertain and ever changing times. Much is still unknown, and to the extent our City is able to bring the current COVID-19 resurgence under control will be critical. In the meantime, we continue to remind the City of the City Manager's commitment to be fair and equitable if any employee sacrifices are eventually proposed. Our message continues to be that the City should allow a reasonable time to allow changes to play out, and we're thankful that seems to be the City's approach.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more, but meanwhile stay safe and know we will fight for you and your families every day.

Your AMEA Executive Board

Publication Date: July 17, 2020