BSO Merger

South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Wilton Manors police union suggests city explore BSO merger
By Scott Wyman, Sun Sentinel
5:00 PM EDT, September 14, 2011

Police officers in Wilton Manors want to explore merging with the Broward Sheriff's Office, but city leaders say, no way.

After losing a fight over pay raises, the police union voted unanimously that the city should investigate a merger. The police union wanted 6 percent merit raises this year for officers who have not reached the top of their pay grade.

But the city declared negotiations with the union at an impasse this summer and forced a new contract on police officers.

It's the second time in five years that the union has suggested the city look into a BSO merger. The 28-0 union vote comes as officials are set to begin a new round of contract discussions with officers for next year.

Sgt. Shawn Chadwick said the union raised the idea as a cost-saving possibility. He said union members do not necessarily favor a merger, but believe the city should seek a proposal to see if law enforcement could be provided more cheaply and the benefits for officers improved.

"The city thinks it's a negotiation ploy, but we're saying the city should look at options if it's in that dire of straights," he said.

City administrators opposed the raises as not financially feasible in light of the recession and declining property values. The city is considering raising tax rates 4 percent this fall to balance next year's budget.

Sheriff Al Lamberti said he is willing to send a proposal to the city, but only if city commissioners ask. Mayor Gary Resnick and other commissioners don't plan to make that request.

"I love having our own police department and have always said that," Resnick said. "We have a unique identity and having our own department is important to us."

John Fiore, leader of Wilton Manors East Neighborhood Association, agreed. He said residents would not want the small police force absorbed into a larger BSO.

"If they want to go to work for BSO, they can quit and apply to BSO," Fiore said. "Residents want their own police. They know our city, know our problems and know how to deal with the community."

Chadwick said police officers agreed to forego raises in 2009, but believed the city had promised more money this year. He said the union will file a labor relations complaint with the state over the city's decision.

In addition to no raises, Chadwick said the city-imposed contract cuts police benefits as well. The amount of holiday time drops from 12 days a year to seven and officers no longer can sell the city back unused vacation and sick time, he said.

"We are not greedy people and are not asking for the world," Chadwick said.

swyman@tribune.com or 954-356-4511
Copyright © 2011, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

How is the Tea Party working for you ?

Good luck Cahdwick, BSO willkick you out even faster. BSO wont happen

How is the Tea Party working for you ?

Why do you think Paul O is there?

Its a power trip for city leaders and even if it saves money they will never go to BSO. I worked for a larger city pd suggested similar ideas to save money including getting rid of our own rescue unit when we had a major county agency, trained better, near by. Wanted to do away with library facilities and use the county, many ways to cut costs, but city leaders failed to listen to those working the trenches every day. Well that city just laid off 17 officers and 4 civilians and took away all the car perks. Good luck in your endeavors it is a different world than just a couple years ago!

Why do you think Paul O is there?

Novel idea here: Why not grow a set of stones and ask him?

Why do you think Paul O is there?

Novel idea here: Why not grow a set of stones and ask him?

Hi Paul.

Its a power trip for city leaders and even if it saves money they will never go to BSO. I worked for a larger city pd suggested similar ideas to save money including getting rid of our own rescue unit when we had a major county agency, trained better, near by. Wanted to do away with library facilities and use the county, many ways to cut costs, but city leaders failed to listen to those working the trenches every day. Well that city just laid off 17 officers and 4 civilians and took away all the car perks. Good luck in your endeavors it is a different world than just a couple years ago!

The city council would still have control as far as police services. The BSO District Chief would answer to the city council the same way that the Police Chief does now. The only difference would be the officers are deputies & wear green instead of blue. The city would save a lot of money in the short term and in the long run too. In turn the citizens and merchants could have their taxes reduced because of these savings. There would be more sworn personnel available to handle problems that arise. This would also encourage the good officers that know, understand, and appreciate the city's residents and merchants to stick around instead of looking elsewhere.

Yea that’s the sell they love to put on it. You may want to talk to some small cities that have gone BSO. What you stated does not pan out. If you’re going to print facts please read the contracts that cites have signed. Like Lauderdale by the sea. South west ranches and several others. Wonder why they want to get out of that great police service?

More fact: When you sign with BSO sure they say that a % of officers will stay in the city but that changes as officers request to move into other divisions. Also BSO moves officers around based on the need of the day. Like many cites on paper the shift starts with one set of officers then as need they are moved to other cities as needed. Yea the contract says that you will always have let’s say 5 in the city but what they will really do is have them able to respond into the city.

Love the one about BSO officers getting to know folks in the city better than a city PD. Are you serious? BSO officers are moved around all the time and have no shift or district pick. It’s a fact
Now on the city having control of BSO like a local police force maybe you should talk to the Mayors of other cities who have to call the big man at BSO and get a meeting to make any changes or request. The local BSO chief has no power its BSO and this is not new.
Now officers looking elsewhere, where did you get that from? Who had left for another department? BSO next year may have layoffs based on the budget and issues with several contract cities. We have no issue filling the few slots we have that open. Have you noticed that other cities may lay off officers and you think we have a problem with cops staying here?

Its a power trip for city leaders and even if it saves money they will never go to BSO. I worked for a larger city pd suggested similar ideas to save money including getting rid of our own rescue unit when we had a major county agency, trained better, near by. Wanted to do away with library facilities and use the county, many ways to cut costs, but city leaders failed to listen to those working the trenches every day. Well that city just laid off 17 officers and 4 civilians and took away all the car perks. Good luck in your endeavors it is a different world than just a couple years ago!

The city council would still have control as far as police services. The BSO District Chief would answer to the city council the same way that the Police Chief does now. The only difference would be the officers are deputies & wear green instead of blue. The city would save a lot of money in the short term and in the long run too. In turn the citizens and merchants could have their taxes reduced because of these savings. There would be more sworn personnel available to handle problems that arise. This would also encourage the good officers that know, understand, and appreciate the city's residents and merchants to stick around instead of looking elsewhere.