Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-June 3, 2009 Issue

Ho-Ho-Kus June 3, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Residents express concerns about police salaries by Jennifer Crusco Two long-time Ho-Ho-Kus residents have expressed their concerns about the budgeted increase in police department salaries, and have asked about the possibility of pursing “givebacks” from the department. According to the 2009 municipal purpose budget introduced on April 28, but not yet adopted, the borough will appropriate $2,275,000 for police salaries and wages this year. Resident John Coleman complimented the council’s work on the $7,888,404 budget, which includes a $162 increase for the owner of a home assessed at $900,000 (43 cents per $100 of assessed valuation). However, Coleman questioned the increase in police salaries, which he estimated account for 30 percent of the municipal budget. Coleman said the Policemen’s Benevolent Association’s contract called for an increase of four percent in salaries, and asserted that the apparent 8.3 percent increase represents a discrepancy that should be explained to the taxpayers. Mayor Thomas Randall said the PBA contract has not been changed, and the contracted increases have been observed each year. Ho-Ho-Kus Chief Financial Officer Joseph Citro added that the amount budgeted for police salaries is not simply four percent more than was budgeted last year. He explained that the salary figure includes funds for overtime and for steps up on the salary scale. “It’s not exactly four percent,” Citro said. He also noted that the borough was under budget for police salaries last year, and the 2009 increase is what the borough anticipates it will need to pay this year. Coleman questioned if overtime is necessary. “The chief keeps it under control,” Mayor Randall said, referring to Ho-HoKus Police Chief Gregory Kallenberg. Randall added that the department now uses 12-hour shifts, rather than eight-hour shifts. He also pointed out that factors such as injuries, can change the scheduling in the department, and lead to the need for overtime. Resident Harley Reel, a former planning board member and long-time resident, said the budget should not be approved given the increase in police salaries. He said the 8.3 percent could not be justified. Reel suggested the department be asked for givebacks. “Should the police department decline givebacks, then the council should take action to eliminate staff so that the increase in police salaries is zero,” the resident told the council. “If staff is not reduced, the council should institute a policy of unpaid leave for each and every member of the police department so that the salary increase is zero.” Noting the declining housing values and high unemployment rate, Reel said he believed the police department should participate in a solution. Councilman Doug Troast noted that the increase does not translate directly to an 8.3 increase in police salaries. Mayor Randall added that there has not been an 8.3 percent increase in any officer’s salary. He reiterated that the officers are receiving their contracted increases, and pointed out that, if the amount of money budgeted for overtime is not needed, the funds will not be paid. Chief Kallenberg, who is not part of the PBA, invited Reel and Coleman to visit his office to discuss the matter. Ho-Ho-Kus PBA President Sean Leonard noted that the current contract between the PBA and the borough covers the period from Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2010. That agreement calls for salary increases of 4.25 percent per year. “The PBA was recently asked by our (continued on page 10) Internet Marketing, Consulting and Education �� It’s Nikon Demo Day at Wholesale Photo 1 DAY ONLY! th Saturday, June 6 � �� Meet the Factory Representative! �� 10am-5pm Offers Expire 6/6/09 �� Our 38th Year �� • Now • Nature’s Way • Solgar • Natrol • Blue Bonnet • Twin Labs • Nature’s Plus • & Many More �� “One of NJ’s Largest and Most Complete Health Food Centers” �� Wholesale Photo Café & Digital Imaging Center Midland Park Shopping Center Midland Park, NJ 07432 www.wholesalephoto.com 201-444-0777 �� Mon & Thurs 9-7 • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 9-6 ��