Reno police offer city cost-cutting measures including foregoing equipment allowance, holiday pay
From KRNV-TV, February

RENO, NV – More than 300 Reno police officers have agreed - through their collective bargaining entity - to accept a benefit cut and forego holiday pay among other concessions, to help with the city's ailing budget.

The offer includes a more than 2.1 percent benefit cut over the next six months, relinquishment of uniform allowances, and a wage concession that would pay officers that work on Memorial Day as a regular day, said Reno Police Protective Association President Dave Ponte, in a news release issued Tuesday.

Additionally, the offer - called a side letter because no contract has been reopened or negotiated - includes the option to extend the current fiscal year 2005-2010 contract for one year with no increase or reduction in salary benefits for the extension of the agreement, Ponte said.

The union's offer would net the city of Reno $334,447, according to Ponte.

Ninety-five percent of the 303 member association voted for the offer, which was announced by Ponte.

"We have been hoping to work collaboratively to find responsible solutions," Ponte said. "Our department was one of the first to offer up 6 percent reductions last fall and this side letter agreement exceeds the city council's public request by 20 percent without severely compromising public safety for those we serve in Reno."

Reno's city council still needs to approve the offer, Ponte said by phone, adding a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.