By Joanne Degnan, Managing Editor
PLUMSTED The Township Committee approved a new four-year retroactive police contract that provides no increases for 2009 and 2010, and 2.25 percent pay hikes this year and next for the department’s most senior officers.
The resolution approving a memorandum of understanding between the municipality and Local 390 of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association was unanimously approved at the Township Committee’s March 7 meeting.
Township Committeeman Michael Wysong said the agreement provides for 2.25 percent raises for longtime officers that are already at the top of the pay scale and, therefore, no longer qualify for the “step increases” in the salary guide.
Less senior officers will continue to get raises according to the salary guide steps, instead of the 2.5 percent increase, Committeeman Wysong said.
The Plumsted Police Department has five longtime officers who are no longer eligible to receive step increments under the salary guide, and will get the 2.25 percent salary increase instead.
The new contract will also provide all officers with eight additional hours of personal time, Committeeman Wysong said.
Local 390 has been working without a contract since the last pact expired at the end of 2009. The agreement was worked out with a mediator and attorneys for both sides just before the matter was about to go to an arbitration hearing.
The new agreement expires Dec. 31, 2013.

