Concessions from Ann Arbor police officers could save city up to $450K in first year
The new labor agreement between the city of Ann Arbor and its police officers union could save the city somewhere between $400,000 and $450,000 in its first year.
Ann Arbor City Council Member Stephen Rapundalo
File photo | AnnArbor.com
The contract terms were voluntarily agreed upon by both the city and the union, but they still came through a stipulated award handed down by a state-appointed arbitrator.
On top of seeing no across-the-board wage increases, officers are making several concessions, including agreeing to pay more toward their pensions and their health insurance. Also, new hires will see reduced benefits, including no health care at the city's cost in retirement.
Rapundalo said he was only disappointed the city had to go into Act 312 binding arbitration with the union to resolve the contract. Had the union agreed to the concessions a year ago, he said, it could have saved the jobs of a number of officers who were laid off in July.
Rapundalo also said he's disappointed that the Ann Arbor firefighters union still hasn't agreed to make concessions that would both close holes in the city's budget and save jobs.
A total of 20 positions in Ann Arbor's police and fire departments were effectively eliminated July 1 as the city begin its 2011-12 fiscal year. More positions are slated to be cut next July as the city confronts yet another multimillion-dollar deficit in its general fund.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Roadman
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
The link in response to the Cinco De Mayo post is the 3/13/11 article by Ryan Statnton show AAPD average earnings: 1. Police professionals - $52,142; 2. Police officers - $80,713; 3. Command officers - $100,981. God bless Steve Rapundalo!
ToddGack
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
Where is the state for evidence technicians?
CincoDeMayo
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.
@ Roadman Could you provide some links please? Not that I have a lot of time for this, so my research has not been exhaustive, but my information is showing me that the median salary for an Ann Arbor police officer is $51,000. I sure hope that that isn't true. Speaking of Livonia though, I have been noticing what a nice little city that is. Well-kept. And hear very positive feedback about their schools. The housing is much more affordable than what I have here. And, it looks like the pay is comparable. This looks like an enticing option for those Ann Arborites who are being put out of work... I would encourage those appreciating our police (and firefighters) to write and email Crawford, Hieftje, Rapundalo, and the rest of the city council letting them know that you do, and that you would like them to be fairly compensated. Most of all, I would encourage you to ask them to spend our tax money responsibly on core services that we need, and to quit spending on frivolous ideas that are unnecessary at this time.
Roadman
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
Absolutely, Cinco: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/records-show-glaring-disparities-between-different-ann-arbor-labor-groups-benefit-packages/">www.annarbor.com/news/records-show-glaring-disparities-between-different-ann-arbor-labor-groups-benefit-packages/</a>
Roadman
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
I would encourage all those citizens that appreciate the efforts of Messrs. Crawford and Rapundalo to send your letters and e-mails to City Council and Mayor supporting the benefit reductions of AnnArbor unionized police personnel and encouraging further reductions in future bargaining sessions. Compare the salary and benefit packages that Metro Detroit community police department unions have with AAPD patrolmen and you will find that AAPD oficers are compensated way above the mean and median of those law enforcement officers laboring in neighboring municipalities. City of Detroit patrolmen are earning about $48-50,000 per year and work in far more dangerous situtions than the AAPD. City of Warren patrolmen in a comparably sized community earn about $65,000.00 per year and ame goes for Livonia. And don't forget, those pesky traffic ticket that raise auto insurance rates result in overtime pay for A2's finest when they have to go to District Court to fight to uphold drivers' tickets. Here's to you Tom and Steve!
leaguebus
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
The history is the Unions give concessions for no layoffs and there are layoffs anyway. The only solution to this problem is to sign the recall Snyder petitions ASAP. As long as Snyder is willing to cut taxes to businesses and balance the budget by cutting education and revenue sharing, we will go through this every year without fail.
djm12652
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
what does the gov have to do with our city? or is it GW's fault? I never know cuz there is no accountability for mayoral/city council actions in this town...yep blame the governor and the ultra right-wing Mayor and City Council!
ToddGack
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
So when will the City of Ann Arbor recall some of the police officers they laid off as they now have the money for them?
Roadman
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
Hopefully, we will have more cuts or early buyouts, as Leigh Greden so brilliantly engineered.
Marilyn Wilkie
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
To those who think our law enforcement officers are overpaid I urge you to download a scanner app and listen to the daily calls that these men and women are sent out on. Hear the kinds of situations that they willingly walk into, risking their lives. What? you say, not in Ann Arbor! Think again. Each domestic call has the potential of taking their lives. You will hear nothing but respect and cooperation from these people. People don't have a clue. I have no connection to any law enforcement agency or officer, but I have attempted to educate myself on what they do and what they have to deal with.
Roadman
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
Marilyn: Construction workers, astronauts, soldiers, truck drivers all have mottality rates for on-the-job incidents that equal or exceed that for cops. AAPD patrolmen have jobs which are gravy compared to most other professions.
Roadman
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
The AAPD officrs are overpaid with many earning a base salary of $80,000.00 per annum, exclusive of overtime. Evidence technicians for the AAPD, who are non-union, are pulling in only about $48,00.00 per year and many attorneys working for the County Prosecutor or City Attorney earn less than AAPD patrolman. The mayor earns $40,000.00 per year. I salute Tom Crawford and Steve Rapundalo on cutting the AAPD benefit package down to size. Keep up the good work in maintaining a hard line against these overpaid civil servants.
ToddGack
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
Yes Roadman I do dispute the salary for evidence technicians as the evidence technicians are actually police officers.
CincoDeMayo
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 1 a.m.
I am not sure, because I have not received a response yet, but it appears that my comment was removed because I gave some specific information and a link that provided specific information, regarding the mayor's income and financial means. Roadman, it appears that you are using some of the highest paid command police officer salaries for your point. What is the median salary? The $48,000 for the Evidence Technicians, is this a starting salary? Almost $50,000 for a tech sounds about right. But, let's hope that their benefit package balances out that mediocre pay. The mayor "only" makes $40,000? So, for his part-time job, he makes almost as much as a full time technician? Even though we taxpayers also pay for a city manager? I support fair wages that allow a family to support itself. I do not support misleading information about the mayor's finances which far exceed $40.000.
Roadman
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
@Todd: Do you dispute the $48,000.00 per annum quote fo the salaries for evidence technicians?
ToddGack
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
Roadman please know what you are talking about before you post. AAPD does have evidence technicians but they are POLICE OFFICERS and are UNION. I wish I knew of one part time job that paid $40,000 a year like the Mayors. I would love a part time job like that. People that work full time in many capacities do not make the money that mayor makes for working part time. Jealousy is not a good virtue to have Roadman.
a2roots
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
Look out RM they will not like you..
63Townie
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
A very simple way to cut more costs is for city administrators to give concessions as well, stop with the silly art projects, and put all the capital improvements up for vote by the residents. Let US tell YOU what you should be spending our tax dollars on.
a2chrisp
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
Unfortunately the city will just turn around and waste the money it saved on some piece of art or on recycle bank or maybe spend money fixing a mistake they made. Go team! Next time, just let the cops keep their money and spend more wisely.
a2roots
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
About time the AAPD got with it and agreed to take on more of the benefit burden. As a taxpayer and individual that has always paid a handsome amount toward benefits I am pleased they finally did this. On the other hand if the FD keeps costing the city money because of arbitration and an unwillingness to bear some of the burden of benefits then I say keep riffing them until they do. It is apparent they don't give a damn about Ann Arbor, the residents or their co-workers. The free ride should have ended years ago for FD.
djm12652
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
ooooh I can get a free ride on one of the trucks? Yipee..hope no one you know has a fire!
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
a2 roots, I am not sure what history you are talking about. I know a lot of what went on in the last 30 years also and what I remember is the city, as usual, was looking out for their own - so much so that they agreed to things that, unfortunately for us tax payers, allowed the city manager to leave with tons of money (no surprise there) but also set up a system that allowed top tier firefighters to retire just as comfortably. Oops. Since the city can't take responsibility for its own folly (they were told ahead of time clearly what the repercussions would be) the Fire Department has been paying for it ever since. Even the outgoing city manager left with dishonest and hostile remarks aimed at the fire department. It's embarrassing. But if we forget about the past and look at the current situation, it is true that firefighters have traded off having a substantial salary for having "good" benefits. At some point you stated that they do not pay a co-pay which it totally untrue, but not only that, out of pocket expenses easily add up to several thousand dollars if there is any family member dealing with a health issue. I dislike exposing these things, but really feel like people like you really need a reality check. If your salary is $58,000 and you have a family of 5 or 6, you are really strapped after buying an entry level, small house in Ann Arbor. Knock $8,000 - $10,000 off for health care that is not covered, add in groceries, vehicles, fuel and educational needs and that is about all there is. This is no free ride. This is what you get for working hard and taking on a job that is meaningful. Which brings me to another point - why these firefighters do the work that they do. I can only speak about the ones that I know of course, but the reason that they do this job is not for the fun of being berated and hated by their own employer, but simply because they have such a deep sense of responsibility to other people. Thank God that they do.
a2roots
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
@todd...open your eyes. They do not get less money and the benefits they get at no cost to them is crazy. Check your history of how the fd has acted over the past 30 or so years and you will recognize a hammer and plenty of taxpayer screwing. To think that city employees cannot live in Ann Arbor is another falsehood. I bought my first house here when I was working for the city in the early 80's. The free ride has to stop. Give in or get out. Many well qualified and eager men and women out there to take over.
ToddGack
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
Wowsers a2roots. As a taxpayer in my town, I am glad my city policeman and fireman have the benefits they have. I am not envious of them nor do I feel I have the right to tell them what to do. Every job is different and there are perks to each job. So the police and fireman take less money to have better benefits. You could do that to if you wished to become one. The AAFD was the first to concede concessions to the city. AAFD was the first union to pay 6% into their pension, took a pay cut and you are going to bash them. If the AAFD did not care about the residents or co-workers they would have never conceded in the first place Unfortunately they trusted the city do do what was right and they learned a hard lesson. How does the FD cost the city money when the city is the one pushing for arbitration? How can a union hold a hammer over the city's head? That is not even close to reality. The city came to an agreement on the contracts in years past. The city could have said no. The city failed the taxypayer by always keeping a keen eye on the police department over the years as they thought the PD would just take over the city. Blame the city management for not making changes sooner as they had access to all the information when they were running the city when they agreed to every contract with the AAFD. Most Ann Arbor employee's can not afford to live in Ann Arbor nor would they want to. They see how the city caters to the few that complain and how the leaders have a utopian view on the city THEY desire. Why would one want to live in that environment when they can live in a city that makes better choices and suits their beliefs instead?
a2roots
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
One more thing...I know probably a lot more because I did work for the city years ago and was a non-union employee (not a retiree) that continually was screwed because of the unions. Explain why you do not have a co-pay when most employed people in all sectors do? There are plenty of well qualified and eager firefighters out there that would gladly come to work in Ann Arbor. I am tired of the safety threats, the beating down of our city and the total blindfolded approach of the fd. I do not care about the minuscule concessions of the past. Please move on if Ann Arbor is such an awful employer.
a2roots
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
What I know is plenty. I know your brethren cooked it to get bigger payouts. I know you have held a hammer over the city's head for years based on stupid decisions made in the late 70's and early 80's. I know most of you do not live in Ann Arbor. You need to get over it and realize the free ride is over. Pony up or get out.
racerx
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
Please revisit history a2roots. It was the AAPD that first gave up concessions to the city and the city still laid off their officers. If you would rather have a nearly $1M art project sitting at City Hall while those funds could had saved one or two officers have at it. Oh, and please be careful while a rapist is on the loose lurking downtown without the PD any closer to catching this person. Or, look at the art while your home is broken into, which is on the rise.
BornNRaised
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 3:43 p.m.
Oh... how many firefighters have you ever spoken to about this? Ever get the other side of the story, or just keep repeating what the city tells you? I mean, why would the city ever lie? They've done nothing but proven how honest they've been thus far. Especially when it comes to spending tax payer money. Most people learn early on to get both sides of a story before passing judgement. Most.
Marilyn Wilkie
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
I wondered who Stephen Rapundalo was, until I found this: <a href="http://www.metromodemedia.com/blogs/posts/StephenRapundalo3072.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.metromodemedia.com/blogs/posts/StephenRapundalo3072.aspx</a>
Youwhine
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
Intriguing. Aside from needing a prrof-reader, he is clearly a republican in democrat's clothing. Anti-labor, pro-corporation, and a fan of the Mackinac Conference?
craigjjs
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Thank you. I did not realize he is an anti-labor zealot. I wonder how many voters know.
racerx
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
Yeah, but what will the city do with that extra $400K saved? Hopefully not another "art" installation. As I watched council last night, I couldn't help but watch Mayor Heijte cringed and bristle while police chief Jones gave a presentation on hopefully obtaining a $1.5M grant so he can either hire or callback 3 laid off police officers in the disguise of Community Policing. This is such a shame that the police chief has to rely on attempting to obtain a federal grant for police officers who were laid off, while the same building where these officers are employed have to look at a nearly $1M art installation project. Such a shame and a failure of leadership on all members of council who are now patting themselves on the back. Sorry, but there isn't any simple way to continue to beat this horse into the ground.
djm12652
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
I'd give the situation of no longer having an AAPD 3-4 years max! Maya Hefty has an absolute disdane of law enforcement...wish annarbor.com had the kahones to ask him how many cops does he think it take to keep us safe? He'll say none...there is no problem in A2.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
Well, we know that $100,000 is going to the recycle program because Ann Arborites supposedly don't want to recycle on their own without "rewards"..... You think that you can't see things get any worse with this leadership, but it just continues and continues....
BornNRaised
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
For anyone wondering why the labor groups in this city can't seem to get the city to negotiate in 'good faith' follow along with what Rapundalo said: 1. "Had the union agreed to the concessions a year ago, he said, it could have saved the jobs of a number of officers who were laid off in July." - So does that mean you'll recall those officers? No. 2. "More positions are slated to be cut next July as the city confronts yet another multimillion-dollar deficit in its general fund." - So, concessions or no concessions, the city is going to continue to layoff police and firefighters. Pretty hard to walk into a negotiation when the head of the labor committee is telling you that your getting laid off without even knowing what you're willing to give up first.
hut hut
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back as you take the credit for getting rid of police officers and cutting their pay, Mr Rapundalo.
cette
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
Rapandulo doesn't know when to be quiet. No wonder they went to arbitration. Just rubbing salt in the wounds for yucks is not a good communication tactic.
Roadman
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
"When it rains it pours........" as the Morton Salt people like to say.
440RC
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 12:13 p.m.
Finally headed in the right direction. The State economy is sure to see rapid improvements any minute now. If ONLY 10 more labor groups (didn't say unions) could give up $400, 000, out of their pay checks, thats 4 million dollars less that Michigan business sees in sales (yes professor, I know its probably not dollar for dollar). Residents of the state, earning less money and therefore spending less money is a sure fire plan to recovery. Way to go government. Even better is when those "every day businesses", struggling already, sell even fewer products and services and are forced to close up, shut down, lay off and fire. What purchases must be sacrificed if suddenly you bring home $200.00 less per month (ok, I made up that number, but based on a U of M Nurse that commented on a previous article of lost wages). No sir, I did not say give everybody a raise, or a tax break, but forcing Michigan workers to take home less money today than they did yesterday should be criminal. It's stealing. My $10.00 is my $10.00, not $2.00 for you and $8.00 for me. The city is paying more for health care? lost state revenue? Sorry you have to do your job, sir. You were not voted in to solve financial difficulties by stealing it back from the workers (goes for you too, Snyder). In fact, who needs ya? If the solution rests on the shoulders of labor, if that is the best you can come up with, then it takes no special person, education or degree to sit in your seat. So get out of it. We make less, we spend less, period. Wait- actually we spend more (but you said.......) in HEALTHCARE! (I assume hits are being taken in regards to co-pays too, yep, could be wrong). So I'm forced to bring home less money today, than I did yesterday, and forced to pay out more today, than I paid out yesterday. Yep, finally headed in the right direction....... AAPOA- You are fine officers, in an odd society. You do great work keeping us safe and it IS appreciated, just not by your employer.
djm12652
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
I get it...too bad it's really not a laughing matter
Sparty
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.
Am I the only one that doesn't get this post from 440RC ? I can't tell if he's for the police concessions or not !
mojo
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 11:11 a.m.
Another good headline would be "City cuts Art Funds and reinstates Officer"
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 10:09 a.m.
"Rapundalo said he was only disappointed the city had to go into Act 312 binding arbitration with the union to resolve the contract." And I'm disappointed the City of Ann Arbor has a Union-bashing, RIck Snyder Emergency Manager supporting political hack who damaged the negotiation process with his insults and bashing of hard working City employees. The face of the Ann Arbor Democratic Party. And someone The Mayor recruited to run for office.
djm12652
Wed, Sep 21, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
@nephilim...there is already in place lay-offs of 10 plus officers scheduled after 12/31/11...go luck when the Maya disbands AAPD and we must wait for WCS to be dispatched from anywhere in the county. I mean seriously, do people not realize what the Maya's plan was when no lockers for AAPD were put into the new Ugly Hall but allegedly 16 unused lockup cells were? The county maintains lock ups, not the city so it will fit fine...and hey with no police force, we will no longer have any crime...
Nephilim
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
If only they would have taken the concessions last year, would have saved the people from getting laid off. Oh yea, next sentence: we are still going to lay more off next July though.
440RC
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.
Hoo-Rah !! Well said.