The Chula Vista Police Officers Association ratified a new contract it hopes will prevent up to 20 layoffs, it was announced today.
A majority of the 226-member CVPOA was needed for ratification, but the organization did not release the vote tally. Details of the deal -- which still needs City Council approval -- have not been released.
The CVPOA was the last employee union to reach a deal with the financially strapped city, which has drastically cut operations at libraries, recreation centers and other offices to meet a budget shortfall.
"This is a great step for the safety of our entire community," said CVPOA Secretary Lt. Phil Collum. "We're pleased our leadership was able to find common ground with city officials, and hope our city can keep more officers on the street as a result."
A total of 30 officers were originally slated to be laid off, but 10 positions were saved when an agreement was reached with the Sweetwater Union High School District about school resource officers.
The fate of the other 20 jobs, which equates to 15 percent of the police force, is in the hands of the City Council.
