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Selectboard approves higher police detail rate after debate over union contract implications
Summary
After extended discussion about whether raising police detail rates interferes with recent bargaining, the Board of Selectmen approved the new hourly police detail rate 3-0-1. Several members said they prefer to revisit the issue after monitoring recruitment and retention trends.
The Board of Selectmen voted to approve a new police detail hourly rate at its April 22 meeting after a prolonged debate about bargaining-unit implications.
The issue was taken up following a public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Selectmen and staff debated whether increasing the detail fee after a lengthy contract negotiation could be perceived as altering terms for union members who negotiated pay and benefits. One selectman said the change would effectively give additional compensation to officers outside the negotiated process and risk setting a precedent; another said the change was intended to keep the town competitive with neighboring municipalities.
Town staff and the police chief said the requested increase reflects market rates used in neighboring communities and is intended to help recruitment and retention. One board member recommended delaying the change to observe recruitment outcomes over the next several months. After discussion the board approved the rate increase with three members voting yes and one abstention.
The board directed staff to monitor effects of the change and return to the board if follow-up bargaining or policy issues emerge.
