Council approves contract raising police outside-employment rates; some members cite budget concerns

The Hoboken City Council approved a memorandum of agreement (A3 on the agenda) that raises outside-employment rates paid to police officers. Under the terms discussed at the meeting, the outside-employment starting rate historically at $80 per hour was increased to $100 per hour; overtime rates and differential rates for non-city property were also discussed by council members during the meeting.

Council members said the increase results from recent negotiations with the rank-and-file bargaining unit and a subsequent request from superior officers for parity. Councilwoman Fisher, who spoke at length during the meeting, urged caution and said the council should review the city budget and the full superior-officers contract before approving piecemeal increases. “We don’t have to approve this tonight,” Fisher said. She described concerns about the city’s broader fiscal picture, the timing of the budget introduction and the lack of a full financial analysis.

Other council members stressed the need to treat public safety personnel fairly, while also weighing cost implications for taxpayers. Several members noted that some outside-employment work is paid by private developers or project sponsors while other work (for city projects) is borne by taxpayers.

The motion to approve passed with recorded “aye” votes from Cohen, Jabbour, Quintero, Ramos, Russo and Doyle; Fisher and Zano recorded “no” votes. Several council members said they wanted a full review of the superior-officers contract and the city budget at upcoming meetings.

The approved agreement will change how outside employment is billed and paid; the administration and police department will provide implementing details and coordinate billing for private and city-funded jobs.