Meanwhile, the sponsor of this year’s ward reduction re-vote bill — John Collins-Muhammad, D-21st Ward — said he’s “open to conversations” on a possible deal. Collins-Muhammad voted against residency rule repeal on July 3.

Krewson in an interview last week said the two issues “need to stand on their own merits.” She also said that “we ought to live by the will of the voters” expressed in 2012.

Asked whether her veto threat is still in effect regarding the ward reduction re-vote bill, the mayor said she would decide what to do if it gets to her desk. “I take every subject on its own,” she said. “This sort of quid pro quo ... is old-time politics.”

Boyd stopped short of saying he definitely would vote against putting the residency rule on the ballot without such a deal. He said he agrees that the city’s reach for good job applicants would widen if the residency rule was repealed.

Under the residency rule charter amendment, department and agency directors appointed by the mayor still would have to live in the city. So would elected officials.

Repealing the residency requirement also would result in treating all police and firefighters the same way.