By Linda Taaffe
Los Altos police last Friday rejected a new labor contract that would have required them to pay a portion of their medical expenses out of their own pockets, saying such a deal would dull the department’s competitive edge with other local agencies. The police department’s contract expired June 30.
The Los Altos City Council’s proposed one-year contract would have provided police employees a 5 percent increase in health costs to offset escalating medical premiums, city officials said. City research shows that most providers anticipate premium increases of about 18 percent over the next year. Police would be left to pay about 13 percent out of pocket for health insurance.
“We’re not asking for anything unique. This is below the standards of the industry,” said Agent John Korges, president of the Los Altos Peace Officers Association. “It’s a big reversal. The city has a history of paying premiums.”
The association represents the department’s 31 officers.
Korges said the plan unfairly targets single employees, who would pay out the most.
Such a deal would deteriorate the department - Los Altos won’t be able to attract or retain quality officers, he added.
The department’s lead communications officer resigned Friday because of contract benefit issues. She will join the Palo Alto Police Department in August.
City officials said the deal is the best they can offer in these tough economic times.
“The city cannot continue to pay the full cost of health coverage for an employee’s entire family, particularly in such challenging economic times,” City Manager Phil Rose said.
“We are proud that we have been able to adopt our budget without eliminating positions, laying off any employees or freezing any positions. These are fnancially difficult times, which we all must realize.”
Under the new contract, officers would also receive a 3 percent increase in their base salaries.
Officers receiving top pay will earn approximately $87,500 annually, excluding overtime, with the increase and other benefits. Sergeants will earn more than $103,000, including benefits, according to a city report.
“In this economy, it’s essential that we remain fiscally conservative but maintain competitive salaries,” said Mayor Kris Casto.
Retirement medical benefits, the inclusion of an 80-hour work schedule into the contract and the establishment of a binding process for dispute resolution are other sticking points.
Police said the city was unwilling to discuss those items.
