June 1, 2009
Dear Citizens,
For the first time in the history of our police association, I’m writing on behalf of the 40 police department employees to trouble you for a little of your time and attention. You have come to count on quality, reliable, experienced officers, and we are honored to serve here and play a role in the safety and security of the community.
The three villages that manage our department (Hunters Creek, Bunker Hill, and Piney Point) have proposed extreme cuts to our retirement benefits that will impact all city employees. Currently we are in one of the most stable retirement plans in the country. We do not participate in social security. The benefit cuts proposed cost each household around $46 per year.
Implementing these cuts would have a serious financial impact on officers who have served this community and wish to retire. We are also concerned that the proposed reductions could result in an increase in our turnover rate. Because of our benefits and compensation, we have never experienced a significant turnover rate as in other departments. Once officers are attracted to our department, they rarely leave before retirement.
City leaders have commented that there could be alternative programs to make up for the cuts, but nothing has been presented for citizens or employees to consider. We have asked the city officials to study the issue together with all stakeholders, before changing the retirement benefits. We are also asking that you, the citizens, become involved in this important decision.
We are not opposed to change. We are only asking the cities to not rush into implementing change without careful consideration and input from all parties.
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions enclosed. We think we can afford to study the issue long enough to evaluate costs and benefits of the cities’ proposal and alternative retirement plans without an adverse impact on the operating budget of each city. Please contact your elected officials to express your concern and ask how you can participate in a balanced, factual discussion about the costs and impact of reducing police retirement benefits.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any other association member if you have any questions. We would love to hear your comments on our citizen comment page on our website.
Sincerely,
G.T. Sorrell
President