FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Laura Bornfruend (407) 246-3423

ORLANDO CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS RECOMMENDATIONS OF
SPECIAL MASTER FOR POLICE CONTRACT

ORLANDO, FL (August 17, 2005) – Today, at a Special Council meeting, Orlando City Council voted to adopt the recommendations of the Special Master that was assigned by the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission to make an impartial decision on outstanding pay issues between the City of Orlando and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 25.

The purpose of the Special City Council meeting was to review items of the contract on which the Special Master provided recommendations. On the most significant issue, officer pay, Council voted for a 2% pay increase for those officers at the top of their pay grade and continuing the annual step program for all others, which ranges from 3% - 9%. The issue of retro pay was not included in the recommendations and findings of the Special Master, but will be discussed at the bargaining table with both FOP and the City as they negotiate the contract for October 1, 2005.

“This City Council supports their police, as public safety for our citizens remains at the forefront of our priorities,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “I am happy that our City Council was able to arrive at a positive resolution that recognizes the dedicated men and women of the police force, as well as maintains our fiscal responsibility to the citizens of Orlando.”

City Commissioners voted 6-1 to accept the first 14 recommendations of the Special Master, some of which sided with the City and some with FOP on various issues. On the two other disputed items, City Commissioners voted to accept City staff’s recommendations.

“I know that the City Council supports all of our talented police officers that protect the citizens and visitors of our great City each and every day, “ said Police Chief Michael McCoy. “Through this process, the City has been committed to being fair, bargaining in good faith, and arriving at a positive resolution with FOP.”

The recommendations of the Council will be sent to both the City and to FOP, and the new contract will be effective upon ratification. If both parties do not ratify the contract, Council action will be imposed as of August 17, 2005, for the remainder of the Fiscal Year to September 30, 2005.

“We are happy after 10 months of negotiations, 16 bargaining sessions, public hearings and the special magistrate’s report, we can now move forward as a City and focus on continuing to provide the high level of service our citizens have come to expect,” adds Dyer.

The Special City Council meeting will be televised on Orange TV, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. and August 24th at 2:00 p.m.

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Editor’s Note: For additional details on the specific contract items recommended by the Special Master and voted on by City Council, please contact Brie Turek at (407) 246-3106.