From the Philadelphia Inquirer: The city of Philadelphia filed an appeal of the arbitration award issued to firefighters last month, on the grounds that it is too expensive.

The petition, filed in the Court of Common Pleas, says the four-year contract adds more than $167 million in unanticipated costs — a higher amount than the $146 million originally projected by the city. And the city's filing argues that the arbitration panel did not properly take into account the city's five-year financial plan and ability to pay for the award.

Under the contract, the 2,200 members of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22, receive 9% raises, will shift to a new system of paying healthcare bills and new hires will be given the option of a "hybrid" retirement plan that includes a 401(k). But the award did not give the city the ability to furlough firefighters, which the mayor has argued is crucial to manage costs. Read the full article here.