Mayor Bell proposes end to exigent circumstances for police command
Offer would take effect immediately despite union rejection of retroactive proposal – Release sent out by the office of Mayor Mike Bell:
Toledo Mayor Michael P. Bell today announced his intent to end contract changes, commonly referred to as exigent circumstances, made to the Toledo Police Command Officers collective bargaining agreement.
The contract was altered in March 2010 to balance the budget after the city experienced exigent, or extreme and unforeseen financial circumstances, and required officers to contribute 10% of their salary toward their pension and pay an increased share of their health care costs. These legislative contract changes applied for the life of the collective bargaining agreement.
The city’s other unions negotiated alternative memoranda of understanding with more palatable cost savings measures to contribute to the budget solution as the city faced an unprecedented $48 million deficit. The TPCOA fought the exigent circumstances legislation with the State Employment Relations Board, which found in favor of the city in an opinion issued April 28, 2011. TPCOA has since filed an appeal in Lucas Common Pleas Court.
“We have taken measures to control costs and must continue to do so in the future as we negotiate the next round of contract for our employees,” Mayor Bell said. “Nonetheless, for the remainder of the fiscal year, we hope to continue to rebound economically.”
During the first quarter of 2011 the city has seen a 7% increase in income tax revenues over the same period in 2010. The administration will ask Council to consider legislation to return the TPCOA contract to its original negotiated status at their Tuesday, May 31 meeting.
Representatives of the administration and the TPCOA previously met to negotiate a settlement that would retroactively restore the original contract language dating back to April 28 and end all grievances and legal action relating to exigent circumstances. The TPCOA membership rejected that offer during a May 17 vote.
“I believe we need to demonstrate that we value the service and dedication our officers bring to the job each day,” said the Mayor. “This isn’t punitive and we’re now in a position financially to restore their contract, so we will.”
