TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2000
Union might file grievance over transfer
By Jefferson Wolfe
Staff Writer
The Ohio Patrolman's Benevolent Association plans to file a grievance about the county commissioners' diversion of funds within the sheriff's office budget to purchase patrol cars.
The commissioners transferred $30,000 from the jail salaries line item to the sheriff's equipment line item to pave the way for the purchase of three $12,000 cars.
Sheriff H. Weldin Neff said if the money is moved around in his budget, he may have to lay off officers at the end of the year to compensate.
Lt. James Browning, the union representative, said the union does not want cars at the expense of jobs.
"We don't want to see any of our fellow union members to where they're out on the street with no jobs because we got some new cars,' Browning said. "They need to come up with the money somewhere."
The cars are needed because the ones deputies are using are getting old. Browning said a deputy almost got into an accident last week responding to a call. He said the deputy was driving on US 224 west of SR 67 and had to pass a car in front of him in a no-passing zone. The engine failed, and because of traffic, the cruiser and two vehicles traveling in opposite directions all had to pass.
"They ended up passing three wide on US 224," Browning said.
Under the union contract, the sheriff is required to furnish tools and equipment, including cars. The sheriff has five days to act on the grievance.