MARK SCHUMANN
A nearly day-long bargaining session between the city and representatives of its rank-and-file police officers resulted in a tentative agreement, reached late this afternoon. The two sides, having earlier declared their talks at an impasse, were prepared to take their case before a special magistrate.
At the encouragement of the new City Council, negotiators for the city, led by labor attorney, Jason Odom, and negotiators for the Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents the city’s police officers, sat down at the bargaining table at 9:30 this morning in one last attempt to reach an accord for the 2013/2014 contract year.
According to Vero Beach police officer and union representative Brad Kmetz, the two sides agreed to a plan that will now be voted on by the union membership and the City Council.
Officers with three or more years of service will receive a step increase effective Dec. 1, amounting to approximately 2 percent of pay, and all officers with two or more years with the Police Department will also be given a 2 percent cost of living adjustment effective Dec. 29. According to City Manager Jim O’Connor, an estimated 11 junior officers would not receive any increase. The cost to the city of today’s wage concessions, if approved, will be approximately $64,000, O’Connor said.
The city’s opening position this morning, presented by Odom, called for an across-the-board 2 percent increase for all offices, but did not address the step plan. The city’s proposal prior to today was keep wages frozen for another year. The step plan has been frozen since 2009, and officers are now contributing more toward their retirement. Kmetz said it was important in retaining experienced officers to make at least some progress in moving back to a step plan, which rewards years of service.
The City’s police lieutenants and captains were not a part of today’s negotiations. Pay cuts of 4.6 percent which these officers accepted in 2010 were restored when the City Council set the 2013/2014 General Fund budget.
Most of the city’s remaining unionized employees are represented by the Teamsters union. Those negotiations continue.
Indian River Guardian 
For the times they are a changing. Thank god.
“Never, never, never give up.” ― Winston Churchill
Thank God, and praise persistence.
Long overdue.
Am grateful to all for giving this one more chance. Hopefully, it will be approved. We will not abandon those who serve us. How could we live with our consciences?
This is long over due to the men and women who serve and protect our city. Congrats Det. Kmetz and others who have done an amazing job and never giving up! Hard work and persistence pays off!
Finally sensible people sitting together and realizing that this needed to be addressed again. Our men and women of our Police Force work hard for our safety and peace and need to be rewarded and reminded that we appreciate their sacrifices. Thanks also to former union negotiators Daryl Rivers and Phil Huddy for all of their previous hard work on this matter.
Finally , Vero’s finest have been recognized and given a well deserved raise. Unfortunately it took five years and an election to correct this callous situation. Our police deserve better treatment then they received from Fletcher, Turner and former councilwoman Carroll. Vero is back on track.
Yes, Vero is back on track so far..let see what they can do for the Utility department that keep all the lights on for everyone. They work faster than FPL could ever do. Know this by experience.
Totally agree with you.