GBPD officers seek competitive pay
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Gulf Breeze Police Officers have always held themselves to a higher standard of excellence. Now, as their contract with the city enters its third and final year, officers hope to see a pay raise that matches that standard.

According to figures provided by the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police FOP, entry-level Gulf Breeze Police Officers, who make about $27,000 a year, are paid less than other officers and deputies in the Pensacola Bay area. FOP representatives say starting Pensacola Police Officers make more than $32,000 a year, starting Escambia County Sheriff's Deputies make over $31,000 and starting Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies make approximately $29,000.

"We are seeking to get their salaries more competitive with other departments in the area," said FOP representative Paul Johns. "The city has indicated to us that they want to be competitive with other agencies in the area."

Johns added that the officers he represents have not expressed any desire to strike or leave their positions.

"We feel like there's a deficit," Johns said. "They have expressed that they are behind the curve with their salaries."

City hall and police department officials agree that the negotiating process is expected to end positively.

"City staff and city council have always worked really well with [FOP]," said city manager Edwin "Buz" Eddy. "We'll get the contract proposal and try to respond as quickly as we can."

Police Chief Peter Paulding refused to comment on the current state of department salaries, but did say that adjusting the starting salary was something he planned on doing.

The department's contract expires in October and is typically renewed on a three-year cycle. Johns said the last renewal was delayed by Hurricane Ivan and resulted in all officers receiving a raise. Representatives from both sides could not give an exact timetable for the ongoing negotiations.