In regard to the timing, the main thing I find odd is that with this last year putting such a hurt on the economy, is the board sure they can meet this new obligation.
As for the language and what was given up by the staff, the entire contract should be available on the web site within a few weeks of ratification so we can see that much for ourselves.
Maybe things are better financially than we would assume. Let's hope it was a fair contract for all including the taxpayer.