Council refers proposed one-year extension of Laborers Local 860 agreement to Finance Committee after debate

City administration presented a proposed one-year extension of the Laborers Local 860 collective-bargaining agreement that would push the current expiration from July 2026 to July 2027 and provide a 3.5% wage increase for that year. Mr. McFerrin and administration staff said the extension would let the city focus negotiation resources on larger police and fire contracts and gain drafting efficiencies. The proposed 3.5% increase was described as consistent with recent multi-year patterns and with contemporary bargaining trends. Councilmembers expressed uncertainties about state-level property-tax changes and other fiscal pressures and asked for broader budget analysis. Councilmember Weiser moved to table and refer the item to the Finance Committee for more detailed review; the motion to table and refer passed. Councilmembers noted that an extension is a common tool but that timing matters given possible state actions affecting property-tax revenues and potential pension or levy impacts. The item will receive further committee consideration before final council action.