Southwick cop
contract ratified
by HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Patrolman’s Union has ratified a contract with the town through FY2013.
According to the Board of Selectmen, the contract is retroactive to July 1, 2011 for a zero pay increase. However, the contract calls for a salary increase of 1.5 percent for 2012 and 2013.
“That is an increase for each year,” said Union President Officer Michael Taggart, who said police personnel across the region are seeing little to no increase in pay.
“It’s the economy,” he said, “so something is better than nothing, but our taxes are going up but the pay is not.”
The Quinn Bill, state legislation that offers financial incentive for education of police officers, was included in this contract.
“The Quinn Bill was modified by the state and at this point the town is going to honor the bill for this contract,” said Selectman Arthur Pinnel.
Taggart said although some towns are trying to negotiate without the Quinn Bill, “it is a state law and you can’t just get rid of it.”
Taggart said patrolmen with an associate degree received an additional five percent pay per the Quinn Bill, and those with a bachelor’s degree received 10 percent.
There are currently 15 officers on the force with one officer out on sick leave. Taggart said when he returns, they will still be short one officer per shift.
“We have shifts of three people,” said Taggart.
Police Chief Mark Krynicki included hiring another full-time officer in the 2013 budget, however, Taggart said an officer is coming up for retirement.
