BUENA PARK : New Contracts Upset Police, Firefighters

Police Sgt. Henry Dock told the City Council on Monday that the dispute over a new contract with the Buena Park Police Assn. has hurt morale.

“Basically, I’m concerned because the people here don’t feel appreciated and that’s lowering their morale,” he said.

“We have a perception that we are at the bottom in compensation in Orange County,” Dock said. “Our salary is adequate in these times, but it’s the equity issue. We don’t feel it’s fair” in comparison to what agencies in other cities are paying.

The council imposed contracts April 5 for police officers and firefighters. The action displeased the employees because the new contracts reduce benefits, cut holiday pay and offer no salary increase.

At Monday’s meeting, representatives from police and fire associations told the council that the employees are unhappy with the contracts and want to reopen negotiations. Representatives also vowed to continue to address the council at upcoming meetings.

“We just want to keep this issue in the limelight so it doesn’t fade from their memory,” said Jim Hayes, vice president of the police association. “I was part of the bargaining team and I don’t believe that (the city) bargained in a fair and equitable manner.”

“We want to sit down and talk,” Hayes added. “But if we have to, we’ll resort to legal means--that’s an option we will exercise.”

David C. Dorn, president of Buena Park Firemen’s Assn., also asked council members to create a committee of city leaders and employees to resolve the dispute.