Romeoville and police agree on new 3-year contract
By Brock A. Stein Correspondent February 21, 2013 12:32PM
Updated: March 28, 2013 6:07AM
The village of Romeoville has reached a deal for a new contract with the union that represents its police force.
Under the new deal, officers will receive 2 percent annual increases with pay raises retroactive for the 10 months that officers worked without a contract during negotiations.
In addition, union members won’t see increases to their health care premiums, said Village Administrator Steve Gulden.
To offset the rising cost of health care, Gulden said that a committee with members of the village and police union will look at areas in which to reduce health care costs, which he called “a very good first step.”
Other details of the contract include the option for the chief of police to schedule eight-, 10- and 12-hour work shifts for officers, and a physical fitness requirement that the department hopes will reduce worker compensation expenses.
The new contract will be in effect retroactive to May 2012 until April 30, 2015.
“It’s a very good contract,” Gulden said of the three-year agreement.
In other business, the village board approved the purchase of three new vehicles: a 2013 Ford SUV for the building department for $24,558; a 2013 Ford Expedition for $31,605 for the wastewater department; and a Ford F350 for the water division for $25,910.
All vehicles were purchased through the state of Illinois bid program.
In addition, trustees approved the purchase of 10 Panasonic Toughbook laptops that will be used by the police and fire departments. Assistant Administrator Dawn Caldwell said the village was able to get the laptops, which usually sell for $5,100, at the discounted rate of $3,560.
