The pact, if ratified, would give police 13 percent raises over three years.
By: Carl Reader
SOLEBURY The township and the police are a few signatures away from having a new contract that would grant 13 percent raises for police over three years.
"I think we have a collective bargaining agreement," Board of Supervisors member and police liaison Thomas Caracio announced to the board Feb. 5.
The new contract would run retroactively from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004, making it the second three-year contract the board has negotiated. Should the police finally accept the proposal, there would be a 5 percent raise for them in 2002, a 4 percent raise in 2003 and a 4 percent raise in 2004.
The current draft has to be sent to the Policemen’s Benevolent Association for its approval (ratification) where it would have to be signed by two officials. Then it would come back to the board for it to sign to complete the deal.
"I think we’ve got a good contract," Mr. Caracio said. "I would support the board’s moving it down to the PBA for their signatures."
Also added in the new contract are both a sergeant and detective position, according to Mr. Caracio. A corporal’s position was added in the last contract in 1999, and two were hired. Should this contract be accepted, the board would allow the current members of the police force to apply for the positions first.
"There will be a recommendation from the chief to the board when the time is appropriate," Mr. Caracio said.
There are nine full-time officers. The starting salary of $50,400 would be $52,920 for this year if the pact is approved.
Last year, the township switched insurers to Keystone State, and the police took advantage of that move. Added to this contract will be an extended capability for long-term disability, according to Mr. Caracio. Previously, there was disability coverage for a police officer injured on the job. This new coverage affords officers outside coverage, said Mr. Caracio.
Aside from help in pursuing education in criminal justice or police administration, there also will be financial help for officers who wish to study other disciplines that could improve their job performance, subject to board approval. The township already offers help with associate and bachelor programs, now it also will help officers who wish to obtain a master’s degree, according to Mr. Caracio.
There also is a new provision for an increased meal allowance for out-of-county travel; $30 a day.
"We didn’t negotiate this contract; we discussed it," Mr. Caracio said. "It’s important to stress that there was cooperation between the board and the police."
Mr. Caracio said he and fellow board member J. Peter Grover had spent many hours with the PBA in negotiation. Mr. Grover said it was better to sit down with the police and come to an understanding, rather than challenging them.
"The township and residents will benefit from this," Mr. Grover said.
Mr. Caracio reported the police appeared pleased with the new contract.
"Morale is as high as it’s ever been," he said. "The officers feel they get a fair shake from the supervisors."