Committee forwards janitorial-wage resolution after worker testimony, seeks implementation plan

The Finance & Economic Development Standing Committee voted to forward a resolution (2026R004) to City Council asking the mayor to propose $1.1 million in FY27 to raise wages and benefits for contracted janitorial workers and to pursue an amendment to the city’s janitorial-services contract to require pay at least equal to the city minimum wage beginning July 1, 2026.

At the public hearing, Priscilla Peebles, who identified herself as a city janitor and a member of SEIU 32BJ, urged the committee to adopt the resolution. "As a full time janitor with no benefits, I had nothing to fall back on," Peebles said, describing a 2024 medical emergency that left her without income. "I'm asking for a living wage, one that allows me to pay my rent on time and focus on my health and to live with dignity."

Renee Almeraz, the city’s director of procurement services, told the committee she supported the policy goal but requested a 30-day continuance to negotiate with the contractor because unilateral contract changes are not possible and opening negotiations can trigger additional bargaining points. "We can't just unilaterally increase the wages on a contract," Almeraz said; she asked time to ensure the contractor is aligned and to firm up numbers that may be several months old.

Chair Robertson said the committee would move the resolution forward but asked administration to return within 30 days with an implementation strategy outlining how the wage change would be carried out and its budget impact. Vice Chair Jones moved to forward the resolution to council with a recommendation to approve; Chair Robertson and Vice Chair Jones recorded "aye" votes and the motion passed.

The resolution will be considered by full City Council, and administration has been asked to provide an implementation plan and to consult with the contractor about contractual logistics before council action.