The firefighter knew that layoff could be part of the picture, but that is the route they chose.
All firefighters are EMT’s. All EMT’s with the city of Houston are firefighters. They rotate on and off the apparatus ( from one to the other).
I would offer that you just implement it. The firefighters were obviously aware that the mayor would make every effort to punish them for what he interprets as subverting his authority. Lay off what ever number satisfies his grudge and pay the remaining members what the voters gave them. When the layoffs, resulting station closures, extended response times, and possibly worse occurs, you can expect the mayor to continue to blame anyone or anything except his ability to manage this city. One thing you can count on is that the firefighters will own and manage whatever hardship results from the mayor’s grudge. They will forever continue to tirelessly serve the only people they have sworn to serve. The citizens of Houston. This mayor is merely one of several past ones who refuse to acknowledge and reward their selfless efforts. In the end, he will fade away and they will remain without a single thought of him or his unbiased behavior.
Has the city considered offering the older firefighters a severance package maybe 25,000-30,000 to leave after prop.b is implemented and /or discounted insurance for several years. This may keep the younger firefighters who are payed less and are the majority of your paramedics. How may of your paramedics would the city lose if 300-400 firefighters are laid -off ? The cost may be cheaper in the long run, that would be a question for the city’s bean counters.