Teamster's rep: Longwood official's DUI arrest complicates stalled talks with cops who haven't had raises in 5 years

City Commissioner Butch Bundy removed from municipal post in January by Gov. Rick Scott pending outcome of criminal case

The Sunday Conversation / Headline Surfer

Longwood City Commissioner Butch Bundy / Headline SurferHeadline Surfer® videos / Teamsters 385 Business Agent Bob Walker was interviewed in November for The Sunday Conversation regarding the long-stalled talks regarding raises for Longwood cops.
The situation has not improved since the arrest of City Commissioner Butch Bundy, shown at left, on a DUI charge that saw him suspended from office by Gov. Rick Scott. Above, is a wreck Bundy was in that led to the DUI charge.
 
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

LONGWOOD, Fla. -- Five-plus years have come and gone since Longwood's 42 cops cops have seen any kind of a legitimate pay raise. The business agent for the Teamster's union is fully cgnizant the recent DUI arrest of City Commissioner Butch Bundy in the wake of November's horrid crash and how it will likely aggravate the situation that much more.

"This arrest was not something we relished," Teamsters 385 Business Agent Bob Walker told Headline Surfer®. "If anything, it just aggravates the situatuon even further. If anyone thinks the cops saw this arrest as a way to get back at the city, they need to have their head examined." 

The 24/7 internet newspaper first met with Walker back in early November for its online video newsmaker show, The Sunday Conversation, at which point Walker felt exasperated by the long-stalled talks.

You can click the videos to see the interview with Walker in which he takes the city to task for investiing in infrastructure like a new dog park while the police force's 48 sworm officers have not had a raise in five-plus years.

Here are parts 2 & 3 of the Sunday Conversation:

 

FAST FACTS: Longwood PD
The Longwood Police Department is comprised of 48 law enforcement officers and support staff providing 24 hour coverage to the City's residents, business community and visitors. The Longwood PD utilizes uniform road patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, community relations, K-9, code enforcement/field services and school resource programs to enforce all state and local laws, while also protecting the lives and property of its citizens.
Location: 235 West Church Avenue Longwood, FL 3275
Current benefits for position of police officer:
• Annual starting salary $43,500;
• Take home patrol vehicle (within the mileage restriction);
• Health insurance for the single employee paid 100% by employer;
• Employer contribution towards family health insurance;
• High risk, defined benefit retirement plan with a 3% multiplier;
• Vesting after 5 years;
• Deferred compensation program;
• Paid holiday, vacation and sick time;
• Equipment and uniforms provided by agency;
• Advanced training through the department career track;
• College tuition reimbursement;
• Dental program;
• Eligible for transfer to specialized units after probation;
• Special Assignment pay for specialized units.