Police Officers to Lose Jobs if Deal Isn't Struck

The city will lose six police officers and two sergeants will face demotions if the police officers union fails to agree by early July to the six percent salary cut that's being asked of all city employees.

The Redondo Beach City Council adopted a $99-million budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year Tuesday night but has yet to reach an agreement with the Redondo Beach Police Officers Association. By accepting the pay cut, the officers will be saving the city $796,000, city staff has said.

Mayor Mike Gin said he is confident the city and the association will reach an agreement in a timely manner. "All of us here are deeply appreciative of what the bargaining groups have come to us with," he said. "I know our staff is having good conversations with the police officers association leadership right now. I feel confident that the actual layoffs won't have to occur."

"Every other unit of the city had to make those concessions," Councilman Pat Aust said. "It was tough for them. They've got families, they've got homes, they've got mortgages."

The adopted budget submitted by City Manager Bill Workman seeks $3.7 million in cuts and $3.5 million in salary concessions in order to fill a $7.2-million general fund shortfall while maintaining a $6-million reserve.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents public works employees, was the last group to accept the pay cuts before Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The police department has agreed to implement a new parking citation processing contract to generate $20,000 for the general fund.   

The new budget will go into effect at the start of the fiscal year July 1, and the City Council plans to discuss potential modifications at its next meeting July 6.

The council asked the city manager not to send out layoff notices to affected police officers until after the next meeting so that the association can continue to negotiate on their behalf.   

Other amendments to the proposed budget include allocating $860,000 to build Seaside Lagoon facilities and $4,200 for video-streaming Harbor Commission meetings.