The City Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Police Officers' Association (SMPOA) are to be congratulated. Not only did they sign a long-term contract at a time that most cities sit paralyzed by the political jockeying taking place in Sacramento, but they did so in 5 meetings over a short, 2 months time span. Moreover, the City "stepped to plate" in a bold move that shows its commitment and dedication to attracting and retaining high quality, experienced officers. Rather than use the state budget as a crutch to avoid confronting the recruitment and retention issues, the City and the POA signed a threeyear contract that has over 19% in guaranteed base salary increases.

The SMPOA, which was represented by Attorney Robert M. Wexler, a partner in the Santa Monica based law firm of Silver, Hadden & Silver, secured a 10.9% across-theboard base pay increase for all sworn employees, retroactive to December 2002. The Senior Dispatcher and Dispatch Supervisor classifications received retroactive raises of 11.2% and 13.7%, respectively, while other non-sworn members of the Association received an 8.7% retroactive salary increase. In December 2003, all members ofthe SMPOA will get an additional 5% salary increase. Finally, in December 2004, all members will be entitled to an additional 3% to 4% salary increase, depending upon salary survey conditions. With compounding, most employees will net a salary increase of over 20% by December 2004.

In addition, the new contract call for a $175/month salary stipend offered for Motor and Canine officers, in recognition for their off-duty care and maintenance responsibilities. Additionally, the new contract provides that an employees who must appear in court while off-duty shall receive a minimum appearances fee of three hours at time and onehalf (4 Yz hours) the employees regular rate of pay.

One of the most appealing aspects of this agreement to employees was the City's agreement to implement a IRS Code One factor that made this process different from past years was the makeup of the City's negotiating team, which comprised the city administrator, the assistant city administrator, two City Council members and a police management representative. By having both sides' decision makers at the table, the parties were able to have meaningful discussions and eliminate the perception that issues were being misrepresented in closed session.

While the parties did not agree on all issues and discussions were intense at times, the Association commends the City Council for committing its members' time, and wishes to thanks the two Councilmen who participated for their efforts.