June 17, 2008

Deputy Chief proposed contract rises for Grand Chute taxpayers


The Grand Chute town board voted earlier this year (3-2) to continue negotiations with the City of Appleton Police Departement regarding a possible merger with the town of Grand Chute Police Department based upon acceptance of Appleton's RFP (Request for Proposal).

Part of Appleton's request for proposal was to provide an Interim Deputy Chief for an 18-month period for approximately $116,320. (see above graphic for breakdown)

At tonight's town board meeting, Supervisors will be asked to vote on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), that is, the final contract with the City of Appleton for a Deputy Chief.

The copy of the MOU I received Friday for review costs Grand Chute taxpayers a lot more than $116,320.

Grand Chute is asked to pay the Appleton Deputy Chief $69,402.73 for the remainder of 2008. Third quarter payment to City of Appleton is $34,117.53, translated into $136,470.12 per year.

If passed as is, Grand Chute taxpayers will be paying the City of Appleton $139,512.38 for use of the Deputy Chief in 2009.

That's a whopping $23,000 more than estimated costs in Appleton's RFP.

In a memo to Town Board members, Chief Walsh explains the officer recommended for the Deputy Chief position is higher on the payscale than he originally planned, and increases in cost of living and health care were not figured in.

Not a good start in establishing credibility for final figures from this "due diligence" phase.