"Unintended Consequence" of Budget Repair Could Mean Police Supervisors Paid Less Than Officers

If Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill goes into affect without any amendments or changes, police supervisors in Mount Pleasant could end up making less than the officers they oversee.

As written, the budget repair bill exempts police officers from the same healthcare and pension contribution requirements as non-safety, represented public employees. Police supervisors are not represented by a union so their take-home pay could decrease significantly with the increase in contributions. Further, supervisors are not eligible for overtime pay, which does boost the paycheck of rank-and-file officers.

"Being a police officer is a calling," said Mount Pleasant Captain Brian Smith. "This isn't a question of dedication, but (the repair bill) might make officers question whether or not they want to move up in the ranks if they can't expect commensurate compensation."

Smith went on to say that he disagrees with Walker not including police officers in the collective bargaining bill because it has the potential to pit employee against employee and bring down morale.

State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) represents the region, and a spokesperson from his office said the senator is aware of the issue and is in discussions to remedy the situation.

"The easiest and most obvious solution would be to fold police officers into the collective bargaining requirements," said Scott Kelly, spokesman for Wanggaard. "We continue to work with Representative Vos and colleagues in the Govenor's office to correct the oversight."

Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) was not surprised by the issue. 

"This is what happens when you rush to pass a bill without intense public scrutiny," he said. "I look forward to hearing about possible solutions."

Sturtevant Police are not affected by the budget repair bill, but officers and supervisors will most likely have to increase how much they pay into their healthcare and pension plans, Police Chief Sean Marschke said.

State statute dictates that village municipal employees are either all in the Wisconsin retirement and healthcare system or they are not. Since the village Department of Public Works employees were already represented by the Teamsters, the police department could not then join the Wisconsin retirement plans.

"Sturtevant is going to get hit just like every other town in the state," Marschke said. "We're prepared for a higher contribution requirement."

Until the budget repair bill is settled, Village President Steve Jansen confirmed that negotiations with employee unions have been put on hold.