After more than two hours of debate during a virtual meeting tonight, Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) voted 26 to 2 with 2 abstentions approving a one-year extension of the current police contract — but with pay hike.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the town and Westport Police Local 2080 is effective through June 30, 2021. The reason for the extension is that collective bargaining meetings have been hampered by COVID-19.
An area of concern among commissioners during tonight’s discussions is that the MOU increases police salaries from 2 to 2.5%, which is higher than the cost of living index.
Seth Braunstein said he was concerned about “the magnitude of the increase” relative to inflation.
“I will vote for it with reservations,” he said.
“I’d be happier with a 1.5 and 2% increase,” said RTM member Jack Klinge. “But, getting a 2.5% increase during this year puts us in a better marketing position next year.”
RTM member Lou Mall said the raise was justified as the town’s first responders are being asked “to put themselves in harm’s way” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our first responders are out there,” Mall said. “Extend it for one year and give the police a 2.5% increase.”
In other matters, the RTM unanimously approved a Police and Fire Department dispatch agreement with the town of Fairfield, the facility to be built on Sacred Heart University’s (SHU) campus.
Fire Chief Robert Yost said plans for the joint venture, which has been four years in the making, will save the town money, as well as response times as both town work together.
The first of its kind in Fairfield County, the interlocal dispatch center will have a 25-year lease with SHU for $1 a year, making Westport’s annual lease cost 50-cents, Yost said.
Currently, Westport’s fire and police have separate dispatch units, which increases dispatches by 20 seconds, fire officials said. Having them all under the same roof and working with a neighboring town will shorten response time, Yost said.
“My goal is to have the ribbon cutting in January,” Yost said.
— James Lomuscio
