(Michigan City, IN) - Contract talks with police officers and firefighters in Michigan City have stalled.

 

During Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Councilman Bryant Dabney said the city is not in a position to meet their demands due to millions of dollars in revenue losses for the city beginning next year along with rising operating costs.

 

Attempts to reach a middle ground, so far, have been unsuccessful.  Dabney said his remarks in no way were intended to “pick a fight” with the emergency responders.

 

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances regarding funding and increased costs, this is where we stand as of now,” he said.

 

Dabney also said he’s open to continuing the negotiations.

 

Chris Zibutis, a member of Michigan City Firefighters Local 475, said only two short negotiating sessions have been held over the past month or so despite the current contract expiring at the end of the year.

 

On January 1, police and firefighters will work under the terms of the 2025 contract if a new agreement is not in place by then.

 

“We are being told to work more for less,” he said.

 

The city is offering the same two percent salary increase other municipal employees will receive next year.

 

However, union officials say the city wants to increase what police officers and firefighters contribute toward their health insurance costs from 25 percent to 50 percent.