Council Approves Firefighter Settlement, Debate On Funds Continues

Some 800 Louisville Metro firefighters will receive money from the city to compensate for miscalculated overtime pay.The years-long dispute was settled at Thursday's Metro Council meeting, when the body approved a 45 million settlement with the firefighters. The first of three installments will be paid next month out of the city's budget.The council is split over whether to use bonds to pay the remaining two installments next year or to tap the city's 65 million dollar rainy day fund. Firefighter's union president Craig Willman says it doesn't matter to him."I don't care if it comes out of the mayor's back pocket," he says. "...As long as we get paid."The mayor's administration says the rainy day fund must be saved for emergencies and to maintain the city's credit rating. Opponents say the city should not take on additional debt at this time. The council will debate the issue next year.