Public Safety Officer's Association Condemns Proposal to Contract Out Police and Fire Services

In an effort to rally support in what's become a contentious political campaign, the Rohnert Park Public Safety Officer's Association has sent out letters to the public revealing results of some contract negotiations (which are still ongoing with the city) and that voters approved last year, the Press Democrat is reporting today.

The letter, authored by president of the safety officer's union Dale Utecht, states that fire and police officials offered the city $1.6 million in pay and benefits concessions that have been rejected by the city, the article states.

City Manager Gabe Gonzalez in mid-February, and has repeatedly said he's "simply looking at the cost."

Under the Sheriff's Department proposal, one option would staff 44.75 police officers in Rohnert Park for $9.3 million annually; a second would staff 49.5 officers here for $10.3 million and the last would put 54.25 officers here for $11.3 million. Currently the department has 61.75 officers.

Click on the PDF to the right to read the cost analysis in its entirety.

Police Chief Brian Masterson earlier this month to Gonzalez's exploration of contracting out police and fire services, noting that the union is willing to work with the city to make contract concessions.

"Contract negotiations are continuing and it is rare — and generally considered improper — for one side to to publicly discuss the content of such talks," stated the Press Democrat article.

According to the article, "the POA in its flyer, states that the proposal would provide a lower level of service to the city or cost more."

According to budget numbers, police and fire services take up $15.5 million of the city’s $25 million general fund budget. Contracting out law enforcement to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department and fire services to the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District could together net $2.5 million in savings, according to a cost analysis solicited by Gonzalez.