Proposed Wilton Manors Charger

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Broward Politics

Proposed Wilton Manors charter change would take BSO merger out of commission’s hands

By Larry Barszewski November 7, 2011 08:30 AM
Wilton Manors police may see greener grass over at the Broward Sheriff’s Office, but city commissioners are taking steps that could make a merger of the two agencies more difficult to achieve.

On Tuesday, commissioners are set to approve placing a charter amendment on the Jan. 31 election ballot. The amendment would require a referendum for any switch involving the police department. Currently, it only requires commission approval for a merger.

“The mayor had articulated maybe this should be a decision by the voters,” City Manager Joseph Gallegos said. “The only way to guarantee it is to have it in the charter.”

The union voted unanimously in September to recommend the city investigate a BSO merger, an idea the commission rejected. It was the second time in five years the union had suggested looking at a possible merger.
The latest request came after the city declared negotiations with the union at an impasse and unilaterally imposed a new contract on the police.

In the latest negotiations, the union wanted 6 percent merit raises for officers who have not reached the top of their pay grade. However, city administrators opposed the raises because of the impact on the city’s budget of the recession and declining property values.

That is the best defense against Lamberti. BSO is horrible. He would destroy the small town police.

Lamberti would destroy a small town force? When we voted 28-0 to seek a alternate proposal it was a message to the Mayor, City Manager and the entire City Commission that THEY destroyed their police force and we are desperate for a change. Benefits have been slashed to the point where some of our own that actually want to work are applying to other agencies. Who would want to stay at Wilton Manors???????? Our small town police force went south years ago but we do have some fine security guards. Wake up CITY MANAGEMENT, and see the writing on the wall.