News

By Margie Plunkett and Tim O’Meilia

    The Ocean Ridge police chief has started the search for a new officer to bolster a force the chief said has been understaffed due to a medical leave.
    A posting at the town’s website said applications for the position, which has a salary of $47,953, would be accepted until April 20.
    The Town Commission, which had said no during the last budget rounds to hiring a police investigator, moved to back Chief Chris Yannuzzi, who argued he couldn’t keep three officers on the road because of the short staff.
    The manpower issue arose after news that the officers on Ocean Ridge’s police force successfully negotiated their first contract with the town through collective bargaining. Commissioners approved the agreement at their meeting early in March.
    Under the contract negotiated with the Police Benevolent Association, police officers will receive a $1,000 one-time lump-sum salary adjustment and the town agreed to pay 100 percent of health insurance, including the $2,000 deductible for each.
At the urging of Vice-Mayor Lynn Allison, commissioners also approved by a 3-2 vote, a one-time $1,000 boost for 12 town employees.
    “We’re appreciative of the police and we’re also very appreciative of our staff,” said Allison. “I’m bringing it back for consideration because I feel very strongly there should be parity between the staff and police.”
The cost of extending the benefits to staff, who did not receive a raise this year, is $12,918.
     Those commissioners who opposed the move, however, said the discussion should wait until the next budget-setting season. “In terms of appreciation, our staff is very well compensated, including wonderful benefits and an excellent total compensation package,” said Commissioner Zoanne Hennigan.
Commissioner Ed Brookes said the decision should wait until budget discussions this summer when positions could be evaluated. Allison and new commissioner Gail Aaskov approved the increase, Hennigan and Brookes opposed it.
    Newly elected Mayor Geoff Pugh, who was the swing vote, said the town employees hadn’t had a raise in three years. “I think the people of Ocean Ridge, for $12,000 can handle a one-time bonus, or increase, and be done with it.” he said.