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Board re-refers police MOU to Public Safety committee after tense debate on costs and committee jurisdiction
Summary
After several supervisors pressed concerns about the contractwith the San Francisco Police OfficersAssociation and its long-term costs, the Board voted to re-refer the proposed SFPOA memorandum of understanding to the Public Safety Committee and the fiscal committees for further review.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to re-refer a proposed memorandum of understanding with the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) to the Public Safety Committee following a contentious debate about the deal's cost and which committees should review it first.
Supervisor Daley opened the discussion by raising the budgetary implications of the proposed agreement, saying that in the next fiscal year "police officers will receive about $9,000,000 worth of increases over the next 4 years," and warning that a long contract would constrain the next mayor's ability to negotiate fiscal terms. Several other supervisors expressed concern that the MOU had not had sufficient public safety committee review given its potential impact on the city's public safety budget and priorities.
Supervisor Mercarimi moved to refer the item to the Public Safety Committee for more focused review; the board debated whether a non-fiscal committee could preliminarily review the MOU. Deputy City Attorney Cheryl Adams advised the board that while a non-fiscal committee can hear an item with fiscal impact, a fiscal committee (Budget & Finance or Government Audits) must also consider it before reporting to the full board.
After discussion, the board voted on the referral. On a roll call the measure carried with seven ayes and four noes, and the Board formally re-referred the SFPOA MOU to the Public Safety Committee (and directed the necessary fiscal committee review as required by law).
Why it matters: Supervisors who opposed immediate approval argued the MOU carried long-term fiscal implications and warranted more detailed scrutiny in Public Safety and fiscal committees. Supporters said the item had been reviewed in committee and urged timely consideration; opponents warned a multi-year contract could lock in large increases and reduce flexibility for future administrations.
What happens next: The Public Safety Committee will hold hearings on the MOU and its public-safety implications; fiscal committees must also review the item before a final action can return to the full board.
Votes and formal action
On the motion to re-refer the SFPOA MOU to Public Safety (and ensure fiscal committee review): roll call recorded seven ayes and four noes; outcome: re-referred.
