Police Near Impasse With City Over Pay

After nearly 20 months of unsuccessful contract negotiations, Santa Paula police officers said Sunday they are prepared to announce an impasse.

“Impasse has not formally been declared, but we’re kind of at the end of our rope,” said Robert Wexler, a lawyer who represents the Santa Paula Police Officers Assn.

A 2% raise offered by the city is unacceptable for the more than 30 police officers who have been working without a contract since October 1997, Wexler said. The last raise granted officers was in May 1997 for 2%.

Wexler also said that police in Santa Paula are the lowest-paid law enforcement officers in the county. Beginning Santa Paula officers earn about $34,800 annually.

But City Manager Peter Cosentini said higher raises aren’t possible now and the City Council has not given anyone more than a 2% raise this year.

“I believe the city is in a financially very tight situation,” he said. “In light of that, 2% is very generous.”

Association members are expected to voice their concerns at the City Council meeting Dec. 21.