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Police relinquish $200,000 in pay hikes

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Police Chief Ken Albano calls it an unprecedented move.

At the request of the Temple Terrace City Council and with the buy-in of the police department, the Fraternal Order of Police Florida Council has relinquished pay increases to sworn city police officers during the 2009-10 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.

The officers were slated to receive a 3.75 percent increase, plus a longevity merit factor of up to another 1.25 percent for those passing their annual evaluation.

The agreement negates provisions set forth in the union's 2007 three-year contract with the city.

The decision was made based on discussions with city officials regarding the municipality's bleak financial forecast for 2010, a condition primarily caused by the area's sluggish economy.

"I have never experienced a situation where over $200,000 in salaries was relinquished," Albano said. "And it was done on a nonconfrontational basis."

The money, he said, "basically was in their (the police officers') pockets," but the (union) membership responded favorably on behalf of the city, a move Albano said had never occurred before in the history of the police department.

"It was in the contract, so there were those who really had to take a leap of faith because the next contract won't take effect until October 2010," Albano said.

He commended the city council and union for the congenial tactics used to handle a tough issue.

"They (the union) extended a soft, open hand, not a closed fist, and I'm very proud of them," Albano said.

He is also pleased with the officers' overall response to the union's decision.

"It has fostered a renewal of spirit and cooperation," Albano said. "My biggest thing is that I couldn't be prouder of our two representatives who came to the (negotiating) table. It shows their sincerity to assist the city and doing what was necessary."

During the Oct. 6 council meeting, City Manager Kim Leinbach also took a moment to compliment the police officers.

"Even though our police department took measures to help our city, not every department in the county has done that," Leinbach said.

Councilman Mark Knapp also gave kudos to the department's representatives who voted in favor of the wage freeze.

"It was voluntary on their part," he said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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