By Susannah Bryan
The Sun-Sentinel
DAVIE, Fla. — Facing a $3 million budget gap, Davie town managers gave the police and fire unions a choice: Give up pay raises next year or face layoffs.
Both unions want the money.
Other departments and managers at Town Hall have agreed to a salary freeze.
Unless town officials find another way to trim a $91.4 million budget, Davie plans to lay off seven firefighters and eight officers. A vacant position in the Police Department also would be cut.
Under the town’s union contracts, the most recent hires would lose their jobs.
The decision won’t be final until Sept. 21, when the Town Council approves the budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The first budget hearing is set for 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in Town Hall, 6591 Orange Drive.
Under the proposed budget, the town’s property tax rate would increase from $4.95 to $5.64 for every $1,000 of assessed value. The fire assessment fee paid by residents would increase from $104 to $130.
“We have to cut the budget somehow,” said Councilman Bryan Caletka, who plans to oppose any increase to the fire fee but supports raising the town’s tax rate.
After hearing from residents worried about the economy, Councilman Marlon Luis said he objects to any rate increase.
Resident Bob Brindley, 69, was angry to learn the town’s police and firefighters aren’t willing to give up a pay raise next year.
“In the private sector they’re cutting salaries and laying people off,” Brindley said. “I think it’s incredibly insensitive to ask for a raise when the rest of the community is hurting. I don’t think [the town] ought to suck any more money out of our pockets.”
Under their contract, police officers are guaranteed a 3.7 percent cost-of-living raise. Those not at the top of their pay grade also will receive a 5 percent increase. Firefighters are guaranteed a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise.
After the layoffs, the fire department’s rank and file would shrink from 122 to 115, said Ben Trapani, fire union president. The police department will have 156 sworn officers, down from 188 two years ago, said John Nasta, police union president. Both union leaders said they were worried about not having enough people on the job.
“We are going to be short bodies,” Trapani said. “That makes it unsafe for the workers and the citizens.”
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