Sheriff Should Hold Line On Raises

Published: Oct 10, 2007

Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee needs to take a tough stand against union demands for excessive raises - especially at a time when local governments are being forced to slash positions and programs because of a sluggish economy and state-imposed property tax cuts.

In contract negotiations, the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association's Hillsborough County Chapter has rejected the department's offer that would give patrol officers an annual average raise of 4.5 percent, well above what is being given in the private sector these days.

Raises for officers at the top grade would be only 1 or 2 percent, but those officers make about $65,000 a year. Most businesses set upper salary limits for certain positions. Public agencies should be no different.

The union also wants the sheriff's office to pay for a full-time union representative, an outrageous demand of taxpayers.

The department's offer for the two-year contract is fair.

Pay at the Sheriff's Office ranks near the top of the state's urban counties, as it should. Starting officers make about $40,000.

Employee pay and benefits are driving the huge increases in local government costs. Consider: About 80 percent of the sheriff's $360 million budget goes to personnel.

So keeping salaries realistic is essential if local governments are to contain costs and reduce property taxes.

Law enforcement officers deserve good pay and benefits - but they are getting that. It's time Hillsborough taxpayers were given consideration. The sheriff should let the union know enough is enough.