Connecticut House Bill HB06559

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Municipal Budget Reserves.

Impact

The introduction of this bill indicates a significant shift in how municipalities might manage their fiscal reserves related to binding arbitration. By establishing this presumption, the bill seeks to protect a portion of the municipality's operating budget from being utilized for arbitration costs, thereby ensuring that more funds remain available for essential municipal services and contingency planning. This could impact how municipalities prepare their budgets and negotiate labor agreements, particularly in times of fiscal uncertainty.

Summary

House Bill 06559 proposes an amendment to existing legislation regarding municipal budget reserves. Specifically, it seeks to establish an irrebuttable presumption that a municipal employer's budget reserve that is 15% or less of its operating budget is not available to cover costs associated with items subject to binding arbitration. This provision aims to clarify the interpretation of budget reserves in fiscal discussions and arbitrations concerning municipalities.

Contention

Notably, the bill could lead to discussions around the implications of limiting access to budget reserves for arbitration costs. Some stakeholders may argue that such a restriction could hinder equitable negotiations between municipal employers and employees, potentially leading to dissatisfaction or disruption in services. Conversely, proponents may argue that protecting budget reserves from being drawn on for arbitration costs allows for more responsible fiscal management and aligns with local governance principles.