TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
There's been a huge outcry from Tucson city employees after the mayor's office announced that there wasn't money in the budget to award "copper letters" to long term city employees in recognition of their service.
Department heads in the city were asked to pick up the tab for the prized plaques instead.
Why were people so upset? It really all boiled down to morale versus money.
The copper letters were for employees who were retiring. Getting them really meant a lot. Many of them have are hanging up in special spots in the recipients' homes. It's something they were very proud of.
"A lot of people really cherish these plaques," said President of Tucson Police Officers Association William Bonanno.
"We looked at it as a slap in the face quite honestly. Not just the police department but this applies to every city employee. It really is the only thing the city has to give back to it's employees when they retire," said Bonanno.
The news spread fast on social media. In less than 48 hours there were more than 500 likes on Facebook and more than 500 comments.
City employees and their families were quite upset by all of this. So was Councilman Steve Kozachik. "It really is a low cost, no cost way for the city to say look good job, and recognize it," he said.
Initially the mayor's office cited budget problems and said they planned to let department heads pick up the tab and award plaques to their own employees.
"I would like for everyone to take a breath, and not let this get out of hand." "I will find funding to continue the practice for police employees," said Police Chief Roberto Villasenor.
"When you come down to the bottom line, it's a copper plaque from the mayor's office. I don't know if it would be the same with the Chief buying the plaque and presenting it on behalf of the mayor's office," said Bonanno.
Tucson News Now called the mayor's office on Wednesday to find out how much these plaques cost.
Staff returned our call on Thursday morning saying that they had looked into it and it was not as much as they thought.
It was about $6,000 of the budget. They have now decided to continue handing out the awards. Morale comes out on top of money this time.
"That's really encouraging, positive to hear. I hope they hold true to that," Bonanno said.
The mayor posted a new statement on the Tucson Police Officers Association Facebook page just today stating:
"I've read the comments here, as well as those I've received by email, and I have decided to continue paying for retirement plaques for all city departments out of the mayor's office budget. If funds are insufficient to do so, I have committed to go out and raise the money from the private sector."
The mayor plans to sit down with police association leaders next week for a chat.
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