By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen will decide Monday night whether to ratify a contract covering union workers in two city government departments.

The two-year agreement calls for workers in Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Departments to receive a two percent pay raise the first year, a reopening of wage negotiations the second year, and a $200 signing bonus.

City staffers’ report to the council says the wage hike will cost taxpayers $134,000 and the one-time signing bonus an extra $21,000.

However, the staff expects savings from eliminating some employees’ spouses and domestic partners from the city’s health plan.

Staffers also see savings because of a change in the way newly-hired employees are rewarded for their length of service to the city. Instead of boosting hourly pay, workers would receive lump sum payments every five years. They would get $1,500 after five years and $4,000 after 30 years of service.

Union workers have already ratified the agreement between the city and American Federation of State, County, and Muncipal Employees Local 699.

The employees had been working under a contract that expired last April.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]