Police contract draws fire

Amid heavy criticism from a group of business people, the newly negotiated police contract was unveiled Thursday before a city board.

The Omaha Personnel Board heard strong criticism - and even stronger rebuttal - from various critics and supporters. The board took the contract under advisement, with a decision possible at its next meeting.

Mayor Jim Suttle supports the contract, saying it ends the controversial practice of "spiking."

A business group called the Omaha Alliance for the Private Sector has asked the mayor and others to start over from scratch. They say the contract was negotiated by people who helped negotiate the last police contract that allowed the practice of spiking.

"We need people that will stand up for the taxpayer . . . . This last contract has gotten us into big, big trouble," said David Nabity, an Omaha financial adviser and spokesman for the business group.

He and others with the group object to provisions in the contract that would allow police to retire at age 50. "Where would you get that in the private sector?" asked Nabity.

Tom Marfisi, the city's labor relations director, said Omaha does not have free reign in its negotiations with the union. Laws govern union negotiations. And when disputes arise between the city and union, he said, the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations arbitrates.

"I have to live in the State of Nebraska, under the laws of Nebraska," Marfisi said.

The police union approved the contract Jan. 16. Its introduction today before the personnel board marks the first real public step. The contract ultimately must be approved by the Omaha City Council.

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