The vote to authorize Richmond city employees to unionize is now expected to happen Monday, July 25.

Though some uncertainty remains, City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille has set that as the date for a public hearing and a vote on an issue on which discussions began 17 months ago.

In preparation for a vote, Dr. Newbille set a special meeting for Monday, July 18, for council members to consider amendments to the proposed ordinance that two members, 4th District Councilwoman Kristen M. Nye and 8th District Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, have advanced.

Once the fate of the amendments is decided, there would be a finished product that would be ready to be dealt with at the last regular council meeting before the August recess, Dr. Newbille said.

Four other members have already signed on as patrons of the legislation.