That shortfall is expected to come in higher than projected because of higher costs in a council-approved union contract and lower than expected revenues. The general fund is projected to run a $3.5 million deficit due to a flat property tax levy, falling sales and income tax revenue, and climbing expenses driven in large part by contract-mandated raises.

Relations “are frequently strained, often contentious and disappointingly counter-productive. This does not appear to be the case in many other cities, both big and small, where progressive mayors have open and respectful dialogue with their city’s employer base,” Wirtz wrote in an April 15 letter to Lightfoot.