I wondered why we hadn't heard much on the union agreement.  Councilman Yarborough says it isn't final as yet as the folks haven't voted to accept or reject it which means the council members really can not talk about it as it may still end up in front of them.

Even though City Hall and police union negotiators agreed Wednesday on terms for a three-year labor contract, Jacksonville City Council members are staying mum about the deal.

“The attorneys have advised us very carefully on or comments,” Councilman Clay Yarborough said when asked to share his thoughts on the deal. “I can’t, or I shouldn’t.”

The council had been scheduled to settle the impasse Thursday, if the city and Fraternal Order of Police hadn’t struck a tentative bargain that had eluded them for more than two years.

And the impasse could still fall back council members’ laps late this month if the union membership rejects the deal.

Talking publicly about personal opinions of the deal could bar a council member from voting if the impasse comes back to them, Councilman John Crescimbeni said.

If the union approves the deal, the council still has to vote it up or down.

Steve Patterson

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-01-13/story/politijax-cou...