Morris sheriff, freeholders far apart on union contract

Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford has formally been advised by the freeholders and administrator that a labor contract he privately negotiated with one union -- calling for a 20 percent increase in salaries over three years -- is not acceptable and must be redrawn.

Rochford and office Chief of Staff Susan Hunter, in an interview Monday, said the 20 percent figure cited by the freeholders and administrator does not take into account a major concession agreed to by the union -- giving up the program of payment at retirement for unused sick leave with a $10,000 cap.

Hunter said the members of Policemen’s Benevolent Association 151, who signed the pact with Rochford, also are dealing with a “4 percent deficit” from the past because they agreed in 2010 and 2012 to 0 percent wage increases. Hunter said the contract covering the years 2015 through 2017 by necessity boosted the wages of new officers because in recent years they have been leaving in droves after a year or two, or less, on the job.

The contract as presented by Rochford to the freeholders would start officers at $45,487 and their salaries would be $48,257 by 2017. Rank and file officers at top pay, reached after 10 years, would receive $91,982 in 2015 and rise to $97,584 by 2017.

“Morris County has paid millions to train officers who wind up leaving in a year,” Hunter said.

The freeholders on March 11 authorized Administrator John Bonanni to write to Rochford, county sheriff since 1993, to let him know the 2015-2017 contract he negotiated with PBA 151 greatly exceeds a state-mandated 2 percent cap on spending increases for governments. The PBA currently covers 58 people, whose primary duty is providing security at the Morris County courthouse but they also work in the K-9 unit, bomb squad and criminal investigation section (CIS).

For the first time in his tenure, Rochford did not use county labor counsel or keep the freeholders apprised as he personally negotiated a new contract with PBA 151, according to county officials. Hunter said the sheriff has the authority to directly negotiate with the union, and the freeholders agree.

The freeholders last week say they saw the contract terms for the first time. They include increasing the total amount reserved for officers’ salaries by 20 percent by 2017. According to the county administration, overall total spending would increase by 25 percent at the end of three years because of additional perks written into the pact. They include $700 performance incentive bonuses for officers, an increase in personal days from 3 to 5 per year, and a more generous clothing allowance.

Bonanni, writing to Rochford on behalf of the freeholders, wrote:

“The county’s review of your proposed contract reveals that you are seeking an increase in wages, longevity and stipends of $768,985 over the three-year period, which equates to approximately 20 percent wage increases over the three year period; far in excess of the 2 percent budget increase which has been allocated for increases in forms of compensation.”

“Moreover,” the letter said, “you have also proposed to include an incentive performance bonus of $700 annually. Based on the county’s calculations, this performance incentive bonus will result in an additional expenditure of $121,800 in addition to the 20 percent wage increase that you are proposing. Accordingly, the county will not support your proposed compensation increases as it far exceeds the monies that the county has budgeted in its 2015 budget for all compensation increases.”

Hunter said the PBA, represented by attorney D.B. Ross, signed the agreement and if the county balks at paying the costs, the PBA may have to file suit.

The letter to Rochford further stated: “The county board of freeholders and county administration looks forward to working together to negotiate a successor agreement.”

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@njpressmedia.com.