It's back to the negotiating table for the city and police and fire unions after the city rejected contract proposal last week because of the tough economy. Both unions hope to avoid costly mediation. The Firefighters Union with meet with interim City Manager Michael Morales Thursday.

Representative from the Police Union plan to do the same thing next month. The last time Yakima needed a mediator to handle a labor dispute; it cost the city about $80,000. Something the city hopes to in this round to talks.

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