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Council approves contract for municipal employees (Unit D) and a $3.5M settlement appropriation
Summary
The council approved a Memorandum of Agreement for Somerville Municipal Employees (Unit D) that adjusts wages and benefits, and approved a $3.5 million appropriation from free cash to fund a legal settlement related to Highland Avenue Realty Trust v. City of Somerville.
The Somerville City Council approved a contract change for Unit D of the Somerville Municipal Employees Union and approved a separate appropriation to fund a legal settlement during its Feb. 12 meeting.
Labor counsel Matt Sergou told the council the MOA covers fiscal years 2023–25 and includes wage updates, a market adjustment in FY25, accelerated vacation accrual, and expanded paid family and medical leave for the unit. Union representative Ed Halloran, who described the unit as a smaller but essential group of roughly 300 employees that includes inspectors and recreation staff, urged the council to approve the MOA so those employees receive the negotiated improvements.
Council moved to approve the MOA that evening and approved it by voice vote.
Separately, after an executive session on pending litigation, the council approved an appropriation of $3,500,000 from the unreserved fund balance (free cash) to the Law Department judgments and settlements account to resolve the case Joseph A. Sater, trustee of Highland Avenue Realty Trust v. City of Somerville.
What happens next: The MOA will be implemented administratively by Human Resources and the Finance Office will carry out the approved settlement payment; councilors indicated staff will continue work on remaining bargaining units.
Sources: Remarks by Matt Sergou (labor counsel) and Ed Halloran (union representative); clerk’s readouts and roll call returning from executive session.
