New police contract saves $1 million over 3 years

Last night, council unanimously approved a new 3-year police contract through 2008, which came highly recommended by Mayor Williams. In contrast to prior contracts with hefty 16% cumulative pay increases, this one provides no increase this year, 2% + 1% lump bonus next year, and a 3% increase for 2008, with the elimination of cost of living increases. Other terms:

1. Police will pay higher deductibles with their health insurance plan, a first, which should keep the city’s costs at the current level.
2. At least two high-paying positions, lieutenant and sergeant, have been eliminated without shorting the number of police needed on the street.
3. Minimum man/woman staffing has been reduced from 7 to 6.
4. Longevity pay and the clothing allowance increased.
5. Personnel can miss 4 days of work and still be paid 100% of unused sick leave.

Numbers crunched, the Mayor said the contract is worth $1 million in savings for the City. That’s one contract down, and two to go this year. Council went into executive session to discuss the status of the public works and AFSCME negotiations.