[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,73,85,97],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6250373,"mediaKeyId","3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172","parentId",3202910,"title","City union leaders accuse procurement of targeted layoffs; officials say payroll overpayments being investigated","audioSeconds",1631,"startMs",572000,"endMs",2203000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172&start=572&end=2203","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172/thumbnail_572000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6250373/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/City-union-leaders-accuse-procurement-of-targeted-layoffs-officials-say-payroll-overpayments-being-investigated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250373-43df056fc0dc9ef85c747fc9b2d91992/orig.mp4?Expires=1770056802&Signature=EkNQoYH-YovuiIOqZyiIcJ-L54U2MlWyQ42dDu1GwdVfHYZlfeVefGgQeo3eZyH8PxK9ZwKLiPNPw6pA6Rj457oSDXcrRl4K4PFzinqfP~0x2LclGAEg5X466a0PdVW2yBQ4Wcp-dxrQ6vqEQF9OqQP2EtASUrRAQLD5dVK9KeLUVedgljvXmxH3OWrX4gu4n1kmdDpowMbELEy9jl-r6QjQH9DPrAU8TIJ18e4meOgGDS~LTOoONiTBrkjDkH~lllqCtwFXTaUVawJzIH-GV6efdWIfb4FpFwKvuG8W03PmbXwSQWi9M3uOqjywE0gVQEl87RpygP8v5eouaih76Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-06T20:33:49.657Z","article","PACE representatives told the Atlanta City Council Finance Committee on May 20 that a recent reorganization in the Department of Procurement removed a group of long-serving employees — many of them PACE members — and left staff and the union with unanswered questions about process and pay.

The allegation: PACE President Gina Pagnotta said the procurement reorganization followed complaints and investigations and, \"less than a month ago, all of them were called into the office and told that their services were no longer needed.\" Regional representative Anna Abato told the committee the survey of procurement staff showed widespread problems with communication and leadership and that employees who had filed complaints or raised issues were among those let go.

Why it matters: Pagnotta and Abato said the terminations hit subject-matter experts the department still needs. Abato told council members the department subsequently asked for a near-$3 million budget increase and to raise the headcount from 97 to 119, even though, she said, the department had fewer than 97 employees before the terminations.

What council heard and asked: Council members pressed city officials for facts. Deputy Chief Financial Officer Yolanda Carr said the finance team would work with human resources to determine exact payroll end dates and correct any missed pay. Calvin Blackburn, interim commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, told the committee he believed \"approximately 180\" employees had been overpaid in the broader comp-and-pay rollout; Blackburn said HR met with each person and offered promissory notes and multiple repayment options.

Payroll errors and repayment: Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Hicks, Human Resources, described outreach by HR business partners and said repayment plans were offered in installments rather than lump sums. \"We did not approach them as though they were debt collectors,\" Blackburn said, adding the city ran the repayment approach by legal counsel. PACE leaders disputed how repayment was presented and said some employees received large checks and then were asked to repay amounts they did not understand; union representatives said some workers received as little as $300–$400 net in a later paycheck after repayment deductions.

Open investigations and next steps: PACE said employees had outstanding complaints to the Office of Inspector General, the ethics committee and the Office of Labor and Employee Relations (OLER) when the terminations occurred. City HR said it would review each separation; Blackburn said HR was reviewing circumstances and expected to issue conclusions for people it interviewed. Council members asked administration staff to bring HR representatives to upcoming hearings and to provide the procurement survey results and details behind the separations.

Council response and follow-up: Council members repeatedly cautioned speakers that hiring and firing decisions are executive branch responsibilities but said the legislative branch has oversight obligations on budget and code compliance. Councilmembers asked law and HR to review whether the terminations complied with reduction-in-force procedures and requested that HR and finance provide verified payroll correction timelines and a plan for making affected employees whole.

Taper: Committee members said they would continue oversight at later budget hearings and asked PACE to submit its survey and documentation to staff for review before procurement's formal presentation to the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council FY2026 Budget Briefing Afternoon Session May 6, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","PACE representatives told the Atlanta City Council Finance Committee on May 20 that a recent procurement reorganization removed a group of long-serving employees — many PACE members — and union leaders raised separate concerns about payroll calculation errors affecting roughly 180 city workers.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_32":74,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":75,"_40":76,"_42":77,"_44":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6250359,"Atlanta police union calls for retirement at 25 years, citing mental-health, physical strain and recruiting benefits",648,8301000,8949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172&start=8301&end=8949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172/thumbnail_8301000.jpg","/articles/6250359/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Atlanta-police-union-calls-for-retirement-at-25-years-citing-mental-health-physical-strain-and-recruiting-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250359-7d531381cc3db372309e6c18da3d7a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770056802&Signature=O-d~DyfgryrlY5vNhhflaZnlv6ol0momumly-Rvi6zaC1vSzORUjl5b0frDAqIWkag6y8wVKQALuh80x~NKOPR5jgtVX7XFfcVb5xjXD0Nf~jPOqJR~Kk0J608YV5aaNZOyopcJDH1QBEm~xf9ZgVSnT8ll32cI9p5DKlJy28Ebh137CWFE51v-2vW7hLlJglqVwQEQdEOgLii7X9uJCtYgDU6UN4sWLMDkuxv2w7JZiIfw4w2QH99EhkHhVQNZoZEx2D6rt7sGv4k5XJd65r13hiIDL5QL4AnPb6hyc2pG0O63Bl7GssWZvNu5yIvHN6Qa7su97o1vZj2subhi1RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Atlanta Police Department's union representatives told the Finance Committee on May 20 they want to reduce required years of service for full retirement from 30 to 25 years to address what they described as a growing toll on officers' physical and mental health.

The proposal: Lieutenant C.J. Murphy, president of IBPO Local 623, said a department survey showed substantial support among officers for earlier retirement in exchange for modest adjustments to pension contributions or benefit structure. \"Early retirement options promote wellness, reduce injury risk, and allow for more dignified career exits,\" Murphy said, adding that 70 percent of surveyed officers said they would be more likely to remain if a reduced-service option were available.

Why proponents say it would help: IBPO leaders described high rates of insomnia, post‑traumatic stress, substance use and family strain among officers who remain on the street for decades, and said shorter careers would reduce long-term health outcomes the department must handle because of medical leaves and disability retirements. Murphy said younger recruits consider pension structure and years-of-service requirements when deciding whether to join or stay with the department.

Cost and mechanics: The union proposed officers would accept higher pension contributions or adjusted accrual rates so that the city would not incur a disproportionate new liability; they said command staff and the department pension board are already engaged in initial modeling. Council members asked finance and pension trustees to analyze costs, and council pledged to work with APD command staff and the pension board to model scenarios.

Taper: Union leaders said the change would be phased and could include guardrails such as minimum years remaining to prevent an immediate mass exit; they said the goal is to provide an option for officers who need to step away before a 30-year career becomes untenable.","Representatives of the Atlanta Police Department\u0000fraternal/union urged the council to pursue a reduced years-of-service retirement option (from 30 to 25 years) to address officer wellness, reduce injury and illness, and improve recruitment and retention.",{"_32":86,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":87,"_40":88,"_42":89,"_44":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6250364,"Fire unions press council for cancer testing, second bunker sets, faster apparatus replacement and staffing changes",2019,5587000,7606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172&start=5587&end=7606","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172/thumbnail_5587000.jpg","/articles/6250364/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Fire-unions-press-council-for-cancer-testing-second-bunker-sets-faster-apparatus-replacement-and-staffing-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250364-da3f452ddcd964b4abb78d218971b7a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770056803&Signature=cOO6lNqKk-9k5jMOK1xVzsBolJnGrjYx8cIOHGlBrwxCfIMY~Lx3u7l-hhAX02dWbEQvzOOT0a5pUfdvFqBht7FhrmRzKQWR7j4JYzkvAHLCgtfdqtekQKFTP5MvcB11Ah2KCeoeklzG9Jmmhh3gEaaJfUEH~hIaF56XecaoqCHOX52Bhpn59fgZ1MlgMKi4S0airqPa02O3onL6p8Ynxt05az~ygf2p-buW9WFqPoiStpSa2igY~aNKwK6X2izILNqscPkOXXsvV9l8qrfvFVTcdeVDc7e29yKDmjST4hFkdMpWyedoZY1v5BtnJMUpZYyHC65Be8AgpMd~5xh5yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 134 told the Atlanta City Council Finance Committee on May 20 that firefighters face rising workload and health risks and asked council to back measures in the coming budget to address those problems.

Major requests: IFF Local 134 President Nate Bailey said the union wants recurring cancer screening for all sworn personnel, a second set of bunker gear for every firefighter, accelerated apparatus procurement and higher repair standards. \"Cancer testing has to be in the budget,\" Bailey said, adding that catching cancer early is critical and that turnout gear itself can contribute to carcinogen exposure.

Staffing, workload and wellness: Union leaders described a dramatic increase in calls per unit since 2005, more frequent long shifts and mounting fatigue. They asked the city to explore ways to reduce call volume, consider relief or \"Kelly\" days that reduce annual hours without harming pension contributions, and pursue options to increase paramedic staffing through incentive pay. \"One of the biggest threats is the fleet,\" Bailey said, characterizing slow apparatus delivery and substandard repairs as risks to response capacity.

Paramedic incentives and pay-plan clarity: The union urged restoring higher paramedic incentive percentages to increase interest in paramedic training and retention, noting that earlier changes had reduced the effective incentive as base pay rose. The firefighters also asked for official published pay scales and clarification so members can calculate pensionable and incentive pay accurately.

Labor training and dispute resolution: Fire union leaders recommended broader labor-management training for supervisors and quicker timelines for disciplinary processes (they suggested 90 days) so prolonged unresolved charges do not create chronic stress for employees.

Administration response and next steps: Finance and council members acknowledged many of the issues are operational and said chief and finance staff will discuss specific budget line items. Deputy CFO Yolanda Carr confirmed some items, such as cancer screening, were included in the mayor's proposed budget; union leaders asked council to protect those line items as deliberations proceed.

Taper: Union leaders asked council to pursue revenue options such as a fire fee and other grants to support sustained investment; they said they will continue to work with administration on implementation details.","Atlanta firefighters\u0000representatives asked the Finance Committee to fund recurring cancer screenings, a second set of bunker gear for all sworn members, accelerated apparatus purchases, improved fleet repairs and incentives to boost paramedic staffing, and they urged measures to reduce call volume and fatigue.",{"_32":98,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":99,"_40":100,"_42":101,"_44":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6250368,"Union urges Atlanta to split Fleet Services from Public Works, citing cost visibility and equipment risks",305,877000,1182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172&start=877&end=1182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3202910-fca65dea39f3c107417559e7607ac172/thumbnail_877000.jpg","/articles/6250368/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Union-urges-Atlanta-to-split-Fleet-Services-from-Public-Works-citing-cost-visibility-and-equipment-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250368-dc3c889357d1e53f2bda9406caf3c940/orig.mp4?Expires=1770056803&Signature=CwbeyXCgKmZTj0UxP9ootv9D5bJDE6X9Q7J0mWt6AKYcTD9ocR2ClQQvoLSXEvMgMsTinsMH7Snno3IC3Cio6tfqu-Gipn-NkotNI-XQm9mWKGqjWYdGNKootOei61Ac7Z4igQvDO8yVSzSFWleOb~Xu7s0S4Tu~R9a4uVr7c3~Pn-~SlbxPCJhOcbEJA1RlDnqKhxp1WnNrBudt5EU0r92UFkE174WGrW~zv9zDaYN9OSBqHtBroqXFuqRXgGZoB4LFSOyFwre4HHi3~O9F4FGR4vZSxrCfd7u5QJYbd-ROTRYPWuE6C1K2p9DBm0ojJncqdijxe9betxtyGClZvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A union presentation to the Atlanta City Council Finance Committee on May 20 pressed the city to separate Fleet Services from the Department of Public Works, arguing the change would improve financial visibility and operational performance.

The ask and rationale: Gina Pagnotta, president of PACE, said Fleet and sanitation are currently embedded within the same department and that combination obscures the true costs of fleet operations. \"Fleet services should have their own commissioner answering directly to the mayor's office and directly to you,\" Pagnotta said, arguing that separate leadership would enable clearer reporting, a robust chargeback mechanism and targeted hiring of qualified technicians.

Equipment and safety concerns: Pagnotta and other union speakers warned that aging apparatus, limited fuel-site security, and long procurement lead times — they cited fire apparatus waits of more than three years — are creating operational and safety risks. \"Some of these fuel sites don't have any protection. Anybody in Willy Nilly can go up and get gas,\" Pagnotta said, and she urged investment in upgraded fuel infrastructure and telematics.

Financial mechanics: The union recommended a chargeback model in which users of fleet services are billed so fleet budgets can recover costs and the service can \"0 and balance out\" its budget. Pagnotta said better chargeback systems would \"increase visibility in the true cost of assets and services\" and incentivize accurate rate-setting.

Workforce and training: Union leaders emphasized the need to recruit and retain certified diesel mechanics and technicians and to create incentive-based training programs with local trade schools and military partners as Atlanta adopts alternative-fuel vehicles. Pagnotta said the city currently struggles to hire certified technicians because it cannot match market pay.

Administration and council response: Council members asked the union to provide historical staffing and budget data and signaled they would review the recommendation during budget deliberations. Council members said they would want implementation and transition plans that protect affected employees from layoffs.

Taper: Pagnotta said she will follow up with council and administration and expects the city to examine fleet governance and funding as part of this budget cycle.","Representatives of PACE and other union members told the finance committee that separating Fleet Services from the Department of Public Works would improve cost transparency, allow a dedicated chargeback system, and accelerate needed upgrades to fuel infrastructure and vehicle replacement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City union leaders accuse procurement of targeted layoffs; officials say payroll overpayments being investigated

Atlanta police union calls for retirement at 25 years, citing mental-health, physical strain and recruiting benefits

Fire unions press council for cancer testing, second bunker sets, faster apparatus replacement and staffing changes

Union urges Atlanta to split Fleet Services from Public Works, citing cost visibility and equipment risks