The latest round of contract talks between the city of Wilton Manors and the Wilton Manors Police Dept. have produced a new deal that boosts salaries while also aiming to attract and retain experienced officers.
The union voted to ratify the deal on Aug. 23. The city commission is expected to approve it during a September meeting.
The Gazette obtained the “Memo of Understanding” (MOU) sent from the city to the police union, which states:
-8% increase to base pay effective immediately
-Pay will be commensurate with length of service (The original “Step Plan” had quirks where some veteran officers made less than new officers)
-3% COLA effective Oct. 1, 2024
-3.5% COLA effective Oct. 1, 2025
-A one-time Retention Pay bonus of $12,500 to all sworn officers, paid over nine months
City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson says the total cost to the city is $833,509, with $376,775 going towards the one-time retention bonus.
The deal is an amendment to the final two years of the current officers’ contract.
This round of talks, the third in two years, was precipitated by a borderline catastrophic staffing crisis. Sworn officers are being lured to bigger agencies, such as BSO, PBSO and FLPD, who pay tens of thousands of dollars more, depending on experience.
Nearly a third of the department’s 32 officer positions were empty, with more officers eligible to retire at any point. Overtime, which is already common in most departments, increased. Vacations were rescheduled. It was only a matter of time before the extra work added to the stress of an already stressful job.
The city is “freezing” two positions, meaning full staff is defined as 30 officers.
The city has contracted with FLPD to cover some traffic enforcement, with options to expand their responsibilities should staffing levels fall further.
While some inside city hall minimized the growing problem, officers inside the department told The Gazette the crisis threatened the existence of the WMPD.
Citizens and visitors overwhelmingly support the department. A Gazette/Survey Monkey poll in July found that 93% of residents feel safe and 64% are willing to pay higher taxes to keep WMPD.
