Sheriff's proposal could save $1 million

Posted: Sept. 2, 2009

City of Pewaukee — Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki laid his police contracting proposal on the table at Tuesday's Common Council meeting, saying it could save the city about $1 million.

But Trawicki said cost is not the only reason the city should contract for police services with the Sheriff's Department.

"I really don't think cost - and the cost is a substantial savings - is the No. 1 reason to do this," said Trawicki. "This board has to feel 100-percent certain that the needs of the citizens will be met."

Trawicki ran down a list of benefits for the city to contract with the Sheriff's Department, including increased local control, liability issues, personnel matters and the department's task force partnerships.

"You maintain local control, and you lose a lot of the headaches that go along with it," said Trawicki.

Trawicki said law enforcement would be tailored to fit the city's specific needs.

"What's important in a police contract is the philosophy of the community," said Trawicki. "I'm here to have a contract that works for you."

Trawicki said his proposal would save the city about $1 million, but the city can decide what services they want.

"I'm not saying this is what you have to have," said Trawicki. "You can do more or less."

Mayor Scott Klein said about a month ago that the city contacted the sheriff to look into the possibility of contracting, but the issue about contracting services first came up about two or three years ago.

Klein said the city previously relied on increases in assessed value to make up any budget differences, but now is facing shortfalls.

"This is the start of the process, whatever this process becomes," said Klein. "It's definitely not a done deal."

Based on Trawicki's proposal, there would be 18 positions open for the City of Pewaukee patrol as well as six other openings in the department that the sheriff said he's intentionally leaving open. Currently, there are about 27 full-time equivalent positions in the City of Pewaukee Police Department. Boat patrol officers and clerical staff might also have the opportunity for employment.

"I feel the City of Pewaukee officers would be fantastic additions to my department," Trawicki said. "My goal is to bring as many of them on as possible."

The Sheriff's Department would be responsible for all personnel issues, including hiring, firing, discipline and promotions.

"How much time is your city administrator and board putting into those issues?" Trawicki asked.

Troubled past

A study of the department by an independent agency last year concluded that the department was in "serious trouble" and said the department's problems could not be solved with its existing leadership and suggested "swift, bold and immediate action."

The City of Pewaukee recently completed an intensive search to replace former Police Chief Gary Bach, who reached a retirement agreement with the city in December after months on administrative leave.

The Police and Fire Commission had named two finalists for the police chief position and said it reached a decision on the candidate in early August, but has yet to release the name or notify the candidate.

Last week, when the city announced it was considering contracting with the Sheriff's Department for services, Commission President Mark Millard said the PFC would put things on hold until a decision was made.

This comes as Acting-Chief Dan Meister asks that Sgt. Cher Sneider be fired over allegations that she was untruthful and acted inappropriately, including trying to date a known drug suspect.

This isn't Sneider's first issue in the department. She has also received verbal counseling, a written warning and a one-day suspension for issues on the job.

Not losing any ground

City of Pewaukee officers hired on by the Sheriff's Department would not start at the bottom at the department, Trawicki said. Officers would be assigned to the closest pay step to their current pay, and Trawicki said he expects the majority of officers would make the same or close to the same pay.

Seniority would carry over for vacation time but would not be considered for vacation picks and shift selections. Officers would be immediately enrolled in the Wisconsin retirement system. The City of Pewaukee is currently in a private retirement system.

Trawicki recommended City Hall serve as a substation and that the city maintain its municipal court.

Public safety jeopardized?

The contract proposal took some in the Police Department aback. Officers picketed at City Hall on Friday to show their concern.

"I'm surprised it took place in the first place," said Lt. Jack Kopatich. Kopatich said that with the economic downturn, crime rates are on the rise, and now it seems the council has decided to cut back on service, which he thinks would happen if it contracted with the Sheriff's Department.

"It was a good pitch," said Officer Brian Fredericks, president of the City of Pewaukee Police Association. "(Trawicki) certainly came prepared and covered the bases well."

Fredericks said it was a good opportunity to hear what was on the table.

Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, said the Sheriff's Department contract seems risky. "It is clear the number of officers in the city will be diminished," Palmer said. "This is a major public service to be relinquishing."

Pewaukee may be the first city in Wisconsin to contract with a sheriff's department for police services Local villages and towns already contract with the department.

Police service contracts with the Sheriff's Department are typically five years long, but one-year contracts are also possible, Trawicki said. The city could cancel the contract at any time with 60 days notice as well as costs.

Trawicki told the council that it is difficult to take the emotions out of this decision.

"I think the most difficult part is to look at this objectively … because if you look at it objectively, it makes sense," said Trawicki.

Klein said a meeting would be held in the next week or two to specifically address the issue, but no decision would be made at that time.

Related story on Page 2.