Portsmouth Fire Dept. - Show Me The Money!

This article will show the base pay of all of the employees within the Portsmouth Fire Dept.  This data is for the years of 2008, 2009 and 2010.  I will also, compare 22 of the Portsmouth Firefighters employee's mean wages with the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Areas mean wages.  All information showed in this article was gathered from two sources.  The Southern Ohio Non-Metro Areas data was gathered from the US Department of Labor.  The data can be seen here: http://data.bls.gov/oes/datatype.do . 

The Fire Depts. wage and salary data was gathered from former Mayor Murray's proposed 2010 Budget.  The budget that the 4 councilmen of; Haas, Albrecht, Malone and Basham fought her about all year last year!  The same budget suggestions that councilmen Haas, Albrecht and Basham are now so enlightened to!

Anyway, here is how much the Portsmouth Fire Department's employees make.

Portsmouth Fire Dept.
By the city's own Charter; the Fire Deptartments staffing level should be at 44 employees.  Basically, the Fire Chief and 43 other officers.  This includes: firefighters, dispaterchers and any other employees.

2008 - 47 employees, 2009 - 48 employees, 2010 - 47 employees.  So, when the chief and other firefighters claim they have never had 44 employees!  A lie.

Fire Chief (1)           2008         2009                                  2010
Annual Salary:            $51,996        $53,556 ($1,556) 3% Increase       $55,163 ($1,607) 3% Increase
Monthly Wage:          $4,333          $4,463 ($130) 3%                          $4,596.92 ($133.92) 3%
Weekly Wage:          $999.92        $1,029.92 ($30) 3%                       $1,060 ($30.09) 3%
Hourly Wage:            $25              $25.75 ($.75) 3%                           $26.52 ($.77) 3%

Assistant Chief (3)    2008         2009                                   2010
Annual Salary:            $48,659.33    $50,119 ($1,459.67) 3%                 $51,622.66 ($1,503.66) 3%
Monthly Wage:          $4,054.94      $4,176.58 ($121.64) 3%                 $4,301.89 ($125.31) 3%
Weekly Wage:           $935.76         $963.83 ($28.07) 3%                      $992.74 ($28.91) 3%
Hourly Wage:               $23.39           $24.10 ($.71) 3%                           $24.82 ($.72) 3%

Captain (3)               2008         2009                                   2010
Annual Salary:               $45,543.66    $46,910 ($1,366.34) 3%                  $48,317.33 ($1,407.33) 3%
Monthly Wage:             $3,795.31      $3,909.17 ($113.86) 3%                  $4,026.44 ($117.27) 3%
Weekly Wage:              $875.84         $902.12 ($26.28) 3%                       $929.18 ($27.06) 3%
Hourly Wage:                $21.90           $22.55 ($.65) 3%                            $23.23 ($.68) 3%

FPO (1)                     2008          2009                                   2010
Annual Salary:               $43,056          $44,348 ($1,292) 3%                       $45,678 ($1,330) 3%
Monthly Wage:             $3,588            $3,695.67 ($107.67) 3%                  $3,806.50 ($110.83) 3%
Weekly Wage:             $828                $852.85 ($24.85) 3%                       $878.42 ($25.57) 3%
Hourly Wage:               $20.70             $21.32 ($.62) 3%                            $21.96 ($.64) 3%

Lieutenant (9)          2008           2009                                   2010
Annual Salary:              $42,165.66      $43,430.66 ($1,265) 3%                  $44,733.55 ($1,302.89) 3%
Monthly Wage:            $3,513.81        $3,619.22 ($105.41) 3%                  $3,727.80 ($108.58) 3%
Weekly Wage:            $810.88           $835.21 ($24.33) 3%                       $860.26 ($25.05) 3%
Hourly Wage:              $20.27             $20.88 ($.61) 3%                            $21.51 ($.63) 3%

Firefighter 5 (19-21) 2008 (19)     2009 (21)                            2010 (21)
Annual Salary:              $40,173.37        $41,421.14 ($1,247.77) 3%            $40,619.90 ($801.24) -2% Minus
Monthly Wage:            $3,347.78          $3,451.76 ($103.98) 3%                $3,384.99 ($66.77) -2%
Weekly Wage:            $772.56             $796.56 ($24.00) 3%                      $781.15 ($15.41) -2%
Hourly Wage:              $19.31               $19.91 ($.60) 3%                           $19.53 ($.38) -2%

1. It appears that 21 Firefighters took a reduction of 2% in pay in 2010.  This reduction is 2% lower than the 2009 pay scale.  Add to the fact that they would have gotten a 3% raise in 2010.  So, in all actuality; this group of firefighters, which is the largest group by classification; took a 5% cut in pay.  Notice all firefighters above them received their 3% increases.
2. Could this have been the "3% concessions" the unions were suppost to give back?  Were they going to let this one group of firefighters take the hit in pay for the rest of the department?  $16,826.04 total reduction in this position.  $801.24 x 21 =$16,826.04.
3. Reminder:  The 2010 numbers were proposed budget numbers.  This would be what the department heads of each dept. recommended.  So, the Fire Chief would have made these recommendations or even worse the unions!

Firefighter 1 (2-1)    2008 (2)            2009(1)                            2010 (1)
Annual Salary:               $32,148                  $33,113 ($965) 3% Raise             $68,205 ($35,092) 206% Raise
Monthly Wage:             $2,679                    $2,759.42 ($80.42) 3%                $5,683.75 ($2,924.33) 206%
Weekly Wage:             $618.23                   $636.79 ($18.56) 3%                   $1,311.63 ($674.84) 206%
Hourly Wage:               $15.18                     $15.92 ($.46) 3%                        $32.19 ($16.87) 206%

1. It looks as if they are charging for two employees in 2010; when there was only one employee at this Firefighter level.
2. Could this be an attempt to recover a portion of the "3% Concessions" and some!  A phantom employee.

Lead Dispatch (1)     2008                   2009                               2010
Annual Salary:            $31,574                     $32,205 ($631) 2%                     $33,172 ($967) 3%
Monthly Wage:             $2,631.17                  $2,683.75 ($52.58) 2%               $2,764.33 ($80.58) 3%
Weekly Wage:             $607.19                     $619.33 ($12.14) 2%                   $637.92 ($18.59) 3%
Hourly Wage:               $15.18                       $15.48 ($.30) 2%                        $15.95 ($.47) 3%

Civilian Dispatch (6)  2008                   2009                               2010
Annual Salary:                $27,650.17                $28,203.17 ($553) 2%                $29,049.33 ($846.16) 3%
Monthly Wage:              $2,304.18                  $2,350.26 ($46.08) 2%               $2,420.78 ($70.52) 3%
Weekly Wage:               $531.73                     $542.37 ($10.64) 2%                  $558.64 ($16.27) 3%
Hourly Wage:                 $13.29                       $13.56 ($.27) 2%                       $13.97 ($.41) 3%

Part-Time Dispatch (1)   2008               2009                               2010
Annual Salary:                      $12,501                $12,751 ($250) 2%                     NA
Monthly Wage:                    $1,041.75             $1,062.58 ($20.83) 2%               NA
Weekly Wage:                    $240.40                $245.21 ($4.81) 2%                    NA
Hourly Wage:                      $12.02 (20 hrs)      $12.26 ($.24) 2% (20 hrs)           NA

Admin. Assistant (1)    2008                  2009                               2010
Annual Salary:                   $28,768                   $29,632 ($864) 3%                     $30,521 ($889) 3%
Monthly Wage:                 $2,397.33                $2,469.33 ($72) 3%                    $2,543.42 ($74.09) 3%
Weekly Wage:                 $553.23                   $569.85 (16.62) 3%                     $586.94 ($17.09) 3%
Hourly Wage:                   $13.83                     $14.25 ($.42) 3%                        $14.67 ($.42) 3%

Below is the total cost of just wages.  This does not include any other benefits or overtime.

2008 - $1,833,200.00.  Divide that by the number of employees for this department in 2008 (47) and the average Mean Salary is: $39,004.26 each.

If you just total the wages of the firefighters.  The wages are: $1,584,741.94 or 86.45% of the budgeted wages.  Divided by the number of firefighters, (Not dispatchers and administrative assistants.) which is 38.  The average Mean Salary is: $41,703.74.  Dispatchers and administrative assistants make a total of $248,458.06 or 13.55% of the overall budget for wages.

A few weeks ago we heard the Fire and Police Chiefs complaining that the dispatchers shouldn't be taken from their budgets.  Each department wanting the other to absorb this cost to their budgets.  Really, firefighters are not happy with 86.45% of the total money; they want it all!  And, folks... this is just the figures from 2008; the dollar amount raise each year that they get and they still want more!  This group of city employees would eat their own and throw everybody else under the bus - if it meant more money in their pockets!  State Rep. Johnson; is this the idiots you were talking about fighting?  That you support over everybody else!

2009 - $1,890,441.00.  Divide by the number of employees for 2009 (48) and the average Mean Salary is:  $39,384.19 each.

Firefighters wages only:  $1,682,824.00 or 89.02% of the budgeted wages.  Divided by 39 firefighters and the average Mean Salary is:  $43,149.33 each.

Dispatchers and other employees wages:  $207,617.00 or 10.98% of the budgeted wages.

2010 - $1,962,474.00.  Divided by the number of employees for 2010 (47) and the average Mean Salary is:  $41,754.77 each.

Firefighters wages only:  $1,724,486.00 or 87.87% of the budgeted wages.  Divided by 39 firefighters and the average Mean Salary is:  $44,217.59 each.  And, this was with 21 firefighters taking a cut in pay as proposed by the department head or agreed upon concessions with the unions!

Dispatchers and other employeeswages:  $237,988.00 or 12.13% of the budgeted wages.

2010 also brought out the "Phantom Firefighter"; according to the proposed budget.  This could have been an attempt to recover the 3% concessions!  For whatever reason they felt the need to do this is beyond me!  But, under Firefighter 1 above the wages for one firefighter jumped from $33,113.00 in 2009 for 1 employee to $68,205.00 in 2010 for 1 employee.  Just so happens, that the amount proposed would be the exact amount if there was 2 employees in this position; with even a 3% raise!

The Comparison - 2009

Below, is a comparison of the 21 firefighters in the Portsmouth Fire Dept., that are classified as Firefighter 5 and Firefighter 1 in 2009; against the Mean Wages of other firefighters in the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Areas in 2009.

Southern Ohio Non-Metro Areas - (Firefighters Only)

Employment    Hourly Mean Wage    Annual Mean Wage
560                  $15.27                      $31,760.00

Hourly Percentile Wages
10th          25th          50th          75th          90th
$7.93         $10.46       $14.21        $18.98       $24.73

Annual Percentile Wages
10th                 25th                    50th                  75th                  90th
$16,490             $21,770               $29,550              $39,470              $51,430

Portsmouth Fire Department - (Firefighters 5 & 1 Only)

Employment    Hourly Mean Wage    Annual Mean Wage
21                   $19.91                       $41,421
1                     $15.92                       $33,113

The Difference

Portsmouth Firefighters make more money than any other firefighters in the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Area!  How much more is listed below.

Hourly Mean Wage          Annual Mean Wage
$4.64 more                      $9,661 more  (x21 employees)
$.65  more                       $1,353 more  (x1 employee)

And, this does not include the overtime that we have to pay them because of the way they choose to work their schedules.  They work 24 hour work days.  Most of these 24 hour work days are paid in overtime wages.  Which in 2009 it was budgeted for an additional $40,000 and in 2010 at $90,000.

How about working 3 shift days and eliminating most if not all the overtime!  When this is mentioned to the firefighters they get all upset; they say no!  This is the way it has always been; and that's just the way it is!  So, who's the boss here?  Firefighters or the taxpayers?  How about you do as your told.  Other fire department across the nation use the shift schedule to cover their cities.

Portsmouth Taxpayers Pay

Portsmouth taxpayers pay $204,234 more for a total of 22 firefighters than the Annual Mean Wage is for the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Area.  Portsmouth firefighters are paid between the 75th and 90th Hourly and Annual Percentile Wage.

Now, take that off the budget deficit!  Take $204,234 and the $50,000 of the overtime (2010) paid and you could cut $244,234 off the deficit!  Now, tackle the extravagant benefits and pensions that they receive and you could probably come up with another $200,000 dollars!

Wow!  Just one department being paid the fair market value and look what you can save the taxpayers!  Folks, these firefighters are really being grossly overpaid for this position!  Now, before someone says; they risk their lives for our safety!  This is true... but they risk their lives by driving to work like everybody else.  Besides, $29,550.00 a year is a good living for the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Area.  Other firefighters in this area have to live by it.  Why shouldn't ours!

Mutual Aid
Let's not forget either folks.  Our fire dept. is no better than any other fire dept. in the state of Ohio.  Or, for that matter our area!  Other fire depts. come running when the tone is dropped!  New Boston was the first truck on the scene a couple of weeks ago to a fire in Sciotoville.  There might have been a Portsmouth firefighter there, but the truck was not there first!  If 2 firefighters are at the Sciotoville station then, why was a firefighter not there with the truck?  Maybe, that firefighter was out running some errands or doing something else!

You see, this is the type of things that may or may not be going on that someone needs to be watching!  If there is suppost to be 2 at the station; then there should be 2 always.  Not, 1 for a 23 hours - 24 hours!  If you don't roll up on the truck when the tone is dropped; then you were not at the station!  But, was getting paid for it!

Vote "NO" or "AGAINST"

The Proposed City Income Tax Increase!

It is a union-sponsored tax increase!

It's pay raises for city employees!

None of the money will be used to improve or add any new services!

City employees all ready get 90% of each departments budget for wages and benefits!

Now!  They want to bleed you for more!

For Corrupt Local Government or Greedy Unionized Employees!

Policemen-Patrolman Occupational Data - US Dept. of Labor Statistics

This article will give detailed information on Labor Statistics on two occupational fields - policemen and firefighters.  All information can be found at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics under Occupational Employment Statistics.  The website address is as follows:  http://www.bls.gov/home.htm

Police - Patrol Officers

Note:  The statistics provided in this article only pertains to "patrol officers."  It does not include data for administrative positions in the overall occupational field.  Those figures would be completely seperate from what is provided here.

Statistical Reference
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm

These statistics are for May 2009 and are a national comparison to the state of Ohio statistically.

National & Ohio Estimates for Police-Patrolmen - Comparison

The employment numbers for this occupation nationally were 641,590 employees, and the mean hourly wage was $26.53, and the mean annual salary was $55,180.

The employment numbers for this occupation in the state of Ohio were 24,380 employees, and the mean hourly wage was $25.11, and the mean annual salary was $52,240.

The Difference

Ohio patrolmen made a $1.42 (5.35%) less on the hour, and made $2,940 (5.33%) less on the annual salary than the national averages.

The employment numbers for this occupation in the city of Portsmouth were 26 patrolmen.

Portsmouth Police-Patrolmen made $18.89 mean hourly wage, and $39,292 mean annual salary.

Portsmouth patrolmen made a $7.64 (24.77%) less on the hour, and made $12,948 (24.79%) less on the annual salary than other Ohio patrolmen.

Note:  Employment numbers for this department were reported as follows for the years; 2008 and 2009.  2008 - 46 employees, 2009 - 46 employees.  Proposed for 2010 - 49 employees.  In 2008 & 2009 the department was overstaffed by 2 employees.  In 2010, it would have been 5 employees.

These figures do not include things like; Acting Pay, Shift Differential Pay, Longevity Pay, Overtime, Court Time, In-Service Training Pay, Vacation-Holiday Buy Back/Comp Time, Holiday Pay, Hospitalization Waiver/Payments and Special Duty Pay.

National & Ohio Percentile Estimates for Police-Patrolmen - Comparison

The percentile estimates will be for the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile ranges in hourly and annual wages.

National

Hourly wages:  10th: $15.09, 25th: $19.45, 50th: $25.58, 75th: $32.69, 90th: $40.17.
Annual wages:  10th: $31,400, 25th: $40,450, 50th: $53,210, 75th: $67,990, 90th: $83,550.

Ohio

Hourly wages: 10th: $14.03, 25th: $20.11, 50th: $26.04, 75th: $31.12, 90th: $34.72.
Annual wages: 10rh: $29,180, 25th: $41,830, 50th: $54,170, 75th: $64,720, 90th: $72,220

When looking and comparing the National percentile estimates to the Ohio percentile estimates notice the differences at the 25th and 50th percentile estimates.  Ohio's estimates are actually higher than the National estimates in these two percentiles.  Why?  Opinions differ as to why, but most believe that it is because 90% of all patrolmen fit into one of these two percentile ranges.  Once, above this stage many become administrative or investigative officers.  So, in a strictly numbers comparison; Ohio's patrolman are paid higher than the National percentile estimates, in the 25th and 50th range.  Where most patrolmen in the state are at in their payscales.  I am very certain that this is most likely arranged this way by unions and the collective bargaining unit.

You can set the 75th and 90th percentile at what ever dollar amount you want; truth is, only a small portion of the actual employees of the department will make those amounts at any given time.  But, the majority of the employees will fall between the 25th and 50th percentiles.  So, unions arrange for the larger increases to be focused on where the greatest number of employees are in the department.

Now, where does the city of Portsmouth's Police Department fit into these percentile estimates.  That data is not available!  But, according to the Ohio percentile estimates; I think it would be a safe assumption to believe; that the city of Portsmouth, Ohio is parallel in it's data as well.

The percentile estimates for Ohio can be found here:  http://data.bls.gov/oes/datatype.do

But, wait a minute.  There was data collected that is specific to our region.  In fact.  The area name mentioned is called; "Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area." 

This data can be found here:  http://data.bls.gov/oes/datatype.do 

This Occupational Employment Statistic data was performed in the same year and month of the above metioned data.  The U.S. Department of Labor breaks the data down to even local regions to be considered.

The employment numbers for this occupation in a Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Area were 1,010 employees, and the mean hourly wage was $18.36, and the mean annual salary was $38,180.

For the city of Portsmouth, the mean hourly wage is $18.89, and the mean annual salary was $39,291.

Portsmouth patrolmen made $.53 (2.88%) more on the hour, and $1,111 (2.90%) more on the annual salary than other patrolmen in the Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Areas.

Ohio & Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Areas Percentile Estimates for Police-Patrolmen - Comparisons

The same percentile ranges apply with this data has in the ones mentioned above.

Ohio

Hourly wages:  10th: $14.03, 25th: $20.11, 50th: $26.04, 75th: $31.12, 90th: $34.72
Annual wages:  10th: $29,180, 25th: $41,830, 50th: $54,170 75th: $64,720, 90th: $72,220

Southern Ohio Nonmetropolitan Areas

Hourly wages: 10th: $10.36, 25th: $12.78, 50th: $17.20, 75th: $23.35, 90th: $28.68
Annual wages: 10th: $21,550, 25th: $26,580, 50th: $35,770, 75th: $48,560, 90th: $59,650

The average mean hourly wage for a Portsmouth-Patrolman is $18.89, and the average mean annual salary is $39,291.  This would put most patrolman somewhere between the 50th and 75th percentile in mean hourly wage.  They are paid above the hourly average mean wage than, other patrolmen in the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Areas.  Portsmouth patrolmen also enjoy above average mean annual salaries as well.  Somewhere, between the 50th and 75th percentiles.

Portsmouth patrolmen make $1.69 (9.82%) more on the mean hourly wage at the 50th percentile than than the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Area patrolmen.  On the mean annual wage; Portsmouth patrolman make $3,521 (9.84%) more at the 50th percentile, than the Southern Ohio Non-Metro Area patrolmen.  An extra $91,395.20 more per year than the southern Ohio Non-Metro Areas would for 26 patrolmen.

This is just with the wages that are received on the checks each payday!  If 10 of the 26 patrolmen were at the 25th percentile scale; that would be an additional $127,110 savings.  For a total of $224,505 savings.  Almost a quarter of a million dollars off the budget deficit right there!  And, basically all your doing is putting a stop to overpaying the patrolmen in their wages; and bringing it more in-line with what the rest of the Southern Ohio Non-Metropolitan Area patrolmen are making.  Pensions and benefits are a whole other areas that also, needs severe reform measures taken!

Again, these figures do not include things like; Acting Pay, Shift Differential Pay, Longevity Pay, Overtime, Court Time, In-Service Training Pay, Vacation-Holiday Buy Back/Comp Time, Holiday Pay, Hospitalization Waiver/Payments and Special Duty Pay.  These are also, areas that I'm sure have been exploited by the unions and the employees too!

The data above is just on the 26 patrolmen on the Portsmouth Police Dept..  The Chief, Captains, Lieutenats, Sergeants, Administrative Assistant, Records Clerks, and Code Enforcement Officers could all be subject to the same data compasrisons in their Occupations as well!  And, I would be very sure that some sort of reform could be done to their occupations too - wages, benefits, pensions etc.  My bet, they are being over compensated as well.

Conclusion

Here is a thought on pay scale and percentile wages.  What if police officers who are not doing any actual patrols; are only paid at the 50th percentile of their occupational field.  For example.  We will use patrolmen statistics because they are what is being used in this article.

If a patrolmen; for whatever reason cannot actually go out on patrol like the rest of the patrolmen; he is payed at the 25th percentile for hours worked.  Whether it be for medical reasons, court, sick leave pay - whatever!  If he is not patrolling the pay is reduced.  If doctors say he needs to be assigned to a desk for overweight issues or diabetes, heart conditions then, he receives less pay.  Even better, so that discrimination issues are not brought up because of physical disabilities - re-classify the patrolman to another ocupational field and pay them then at the 50th percentile of that particular job classification.

This type of pay scale and classification pay scales would be easy to implement at any level within city government.  Call it hazard pay or whatever you would choose.  End results; taxpayers are not forced to pay overpriced wages, balanced budgets, state auditor not in your caboose and everyone still makes a great living!  Unions might get a littled pissed but, who cares!  Often, unions claim that they help to keep people off of the system - like welfare and public assistance!  I believe union know better than anyone on how to - use public assistance!

What do we have proof of in all of this?  We know that the Portsmouth Police Dept. was over-staffed in 2008 and 2009.  We know this because of the 2010 Projected Budget Proposals from former mayor, Jane Murray.  In 2008 & 2009 the department had 46 employees and in 2010; it was proposed that there was going to be 49 employees.  These are in direct violation of our city's charter.  We are only supposed to have a total of 44 employees in the Police Dept.; that includes the chief and 43 other officers - this includes even the dispatchers and assistants!

We also know that our patrolmen are being extremely over paid for their occupation in southern ohio.  If proper reform would be implemented and adhered to; the budget deficit could be reduced by about $224,000 alone just on the patrolmen's wages.  Not counting making cuts in benefits and pensions.

Our councilmen asked all the department heads what percentage of their budgets are employee wages and benefits.  There answers were all pretty much the same; 90% of their budgets.  The Police Depart. stated it was more like 93% of their budget.

Folks this means that every tax-dollar that you give the city of Portsmouth, Ohio; $.90 cents of that dollar goes to employee wages and benefits.  Only, 10% covers everything else; including services that we are suppost to be getiing.  Councilman Albrecht said; We will have to cut services to the people of Portsmouth!  So, he recommends that they cut our services back even more than they already are.  The Portsmouth Police Dept. uses about 7% of their budget to actually fight the crime in our area!  Wow!  No wonder we have such a bad drug problem in our city.

Folks, Vote "NO" or "AGAINST" The Proposed City Income Tax Increase!

Take back the city!

This Time It's Personal!

City Charter - Section 47

What The "Income Tax Increase" Is Really For!

Section 47a and 47b

In Section 47a {Annual Tax Levy}, which assessed on the property values of your homes and Section 47b {Tax Levy For Bonds And Notes}, which is to pay interest, sinking fund, and retirement charges on all bonds and notes of the City of Portsmouth.  Both, of these sections in the Charter were created on 5-5-1953.

Section 47c {Income Tax Authorization}

In addition to Sections 47a and 47b, city council enacted an ordinance of levying an income tax to provide funds for the general municipal operations, city employee compensation, street lighting and capital improvements.

The net proceeds of the income tax will be set aside and used for the following:

• 30%                                     City Employee Compensation
• 30%                                      General Municipal Operation
• 30%                                      Capital Improvements
• 10%                                      Street Lighting

This section was adopted on 5-5-1970.

Section 47d {Supplemental Income Tax Authorization}

In addition to Sections 47a,b,c, city council enacted an ordinance levying an income tax to provide funds for the general municipal operations, city employee compensation, and capital improvements

The net proceeds of the income tax will be set aside and used for the following:

• 40%                                      City Employee Compensation
• 30%                                      General Municipal Operation
• 30%                                      Capital Improvements

This section was amended on 6-8-1976.

Section 47e {Supplemental Income Tax Authorization For Safety Forces}

In addition to Sections 47a,b,c,d, city council enacted an ordinance levying an income tax to provide funds for compensating employees of the police and fire forces of the City of Portsmouth and for no other purpose whatsoever.

The net proceeds from the income tax will be set aside and used for the following:

• 100%                                       Police and Fire Forces

This section was adopted on 11-3-1987

So, to some things up.  City employees receive 70% of the income generated from Sections 47c and 47d combined.  This includes the police and fire departments.  Thirty percent from 47c and forty percent from 47d.

Now, comes along Section 47e.  The police and fire forces, and I'm sure union reps too.  Have a Supplemental Income Tax placed on the books for just them, and them only.  Notice, in two sections of this ordinance; the wording!  "Providing funds for compensating employees of the police and fire forces." 

Not any of the funds are used to provide training, building, equipement or vehicle maintenance, electric, gas or water bills.  Just for compensating employees of the police and fire forces.

One other phrase, that I would like to draw to your attention!  "For no other purpose whatsoever."  Wow!  Talk about not playing well with others and being rapacious and predatory in their behavior!  Just a little greedy maybe?  That certainly smells of union representation!  These people are so vulgar in their methods... They lack compassion for any of the other departments; not to mention the citizens!

I want to now, draw your attention to the adoption date of Section 47e.  November 3, 1987!  That date is also, the date when Sections 87 and Section 89 were amended also!  Raising the police and fire departments staffing levels to 44 each.  So, they not only got money set aside for them and only them; they got to hire more employees for each of their departments!

Folks, I'm not against an income tax increase if it is merited and city government is responsible and good stewards of the money.  None, of these three things are even existent within our city government and some city employees!

The need for more money may be a correct conclusion.  But, the reason for the need of the money is for egotistical, self-seving and self-centered purposes and reasons!  Not for the betterment of the city or it's citizens!

Vote NO On The Proposed Income Tax Increase

As, you can see from above; the track record speaks for itself.  Where the money goes!  Make the City Employees pay their fair share of their own benefit packages.  Stop paying for firemen and their families to go to the Life Center.  All on the taxpayers dime!

One other thing, Trent Williams; do the inventory on the city's equipment and assets!  You have only been told by the State Auditor's office to do this for the last 4 or 5 years!

Vote For Anybody But TRENT WILLIAMS For Auditor

Citizens of Portsmouth; remember is big pay raise that he got after being elected last time!  Which was illegal!  And, now drives a nice big SUV with a full tank of gas!

Tell me what a City Auditor needs with a city vehicle much less a SUV?

Don't worry Mr. Trent Williams, I've got a few things to say about your time in office too!

Crime Rates in Portsmouth, Ohio 2009

Violent Crimes

Portsmouth had 133 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 152 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of a violent crime.  Portsmouth citizens have a .65% chance of having a violent crime committed against them.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Violent Crime Rate is: .65%

Murder & Non-Negligent Manslaughter

Portsmouth had 3 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 6,745 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of murdered or non-negligent manslaughter.  Portsmouth citizens have a .014% chance of being murdered or non-negligent manslaughter committed against them.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Murder & Non-Negligent Manslaughter Rate is: .014%

Forcible Rape

Portsmouth had 11 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 1,839 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of forcible rape.  Portsmouth citizens have a 0.54% chance of being a victim of forcible rape.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Forcible Rape Crime Rate is: 0.54%

Robbery

Portsmouth had 85 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 238 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of a robbery.  Portsmouth citizens have a 0.42% chance of being a victim of robbery.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Robbery Crime Rate is: 0.42%

Aggravated Assault

Portsmouth had 34 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 595 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of aggravated assault.  Portsmouth citizens have a 0.16% chance of being a victim of aggravated assault.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Aggravated Assault Crime Rate is: 0.16%

Property Crime

Portsmouth had 2,073 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 9 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of property crime.  Portsmouth citizens have an 11.11% chance of being a victim of a property crime.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Property Crime Rate is: 11.11%

Burglary

Portsmouth had 516 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 39 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of a burglary.  Portsmouth citizens have a 2.56% chance of being a victim of a burglary.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Burglary Crime Rate is: 2.56%

Larceny-Theft

Portsmouth had 1,507 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of every 13 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of larceny-theft.  Portsmouth citizens have a 7.69% chance of being a victim of larceny-theft.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Larceny-Theft Rate is: 7.69%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Portsmouth had 50 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out every 404 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of motor vehicle theft.  Portsmouth citizens have a 0.24% chance of being a victim of motor vehicle theft.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Motor Vehicle Theft Rate is: 0.24%

Arson

Portsmouth had 1 of these crimes reported in 2009.  This means that 1 out of 20,235 citizens in Portsmouth may be a victim of arson.  Portsmouth citizens have a 0.004% chance of being a victim of arson.

So, the City of Portsmouth, Ohio’s Arson Rate is: 0.004%

All of these figures can be seen at the FBI – Uniform Crimes Report.  I will provide a link to the statistics for your quick reference.  http://www2.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2009/data/table_08_oh.html

The figures above are just the City of Portsmouth’s reported crimes in 2009.  From those figures, and simple calculations you can figure out the Crime Rates for our city.

I also, have included an apples-to-apples comparison to other cities in Ohio; with populations ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 citizens.  You will be able to see were the City of Portsmouth compares to those cities in crime rates.

City	Population	Violent Crimes	Murder & Non-Negligent Manslaughter	Forcible Rape	Robbery	Aggravated Assault	Property Crime	Burglary	Larceny-Theft	Motor Vehicle Theft	Arson
Alliance	22,402	75	1	19	26	29	869	194	649	26	16
Ashland	21,916	14	0	3	4	7	521	72	439	10	0
Athens	22,173	33	0	2	4	27	458	76	374	8	3
Centerville	22,891	15	0	1	5	9	420	54	354	12	8
Chillicothe	22,312	271	0	5	46	220	2,206	407	1,762	37	12
Hudson	23,098	2	0	1	1	0	239	62	170	7	2
Lebanon	20,944	27	3	7	10	7	426	62	347	17	5
Maple Heights	23,411	105	1	7	66	31	558	249	207	102	5
Norwood	20,207	86	0	7	67	12	1,230	254	905	71	0
Oxford	22,995	76	0	14	5	57	601	118	459	24	6
Piqua	20,559	28	0	11	13	4	1,015	162	835	18	2
Portsmouth	20,235	133	3	11	85	34	2,073	516	1,507	50	1
Solon	21,870	9	0	2	2	5	208	28	179	1	2
South Euclid	20,970	34	0	8	19	7	446	116	292	38	2
Wadsworth	20,943	13	0	8	2	3	451	73	370	8	0
Willoughby	22,555	12	0	3	2	7	378	65	298	15	2
Combined Totals		933	8	109	357	459	12,099	2,508	9,147	444	66
Portsmouth's % of totals		14.25%	37.50%	10.09%	23.80%	7.40%	17.13%	20.57%	16.47%	11.26%	1.51%

Although, some of the percentage figures are high above; keep in mind they are derived by only comparing to the other 15 cities.  These percentages are not the City of Portsmouth’s crime rate percentages; they are merely a comparison to the other cities.

You have to calculate the City of Portsmouth’s own reported figures against the city’s own population to get the accurate crime rates for the city.

So, are we in a “Crime Wave” of epic proportions?

I will concur, that the criminal elements and actions over the last couple of weeks have been abnormally higher than statistics from 2009 show.  But, I think the chief, elected officials and the Mayor are using these recent crimes to take a stab at fleecing the tax payers once again!

How about this!  Go out there and put your nose to the grindstone and solve some of these crimes.  Beef up police presence with your currently over staffed department; and solve some of these crimes!  That’s what your being compensated for isn’t it?  Let’s try and catch one of these bank robbers instead of having some other agency do it!  For Christ sakes man; they robbed a bank three times in two or three weeks just a couple of blocks away from you!  And, probably would have never been caught if not for the fact that the robbers; got greedy and went to try another bank for the first time… and got caught!

I’m not saying that all of our men in blue are bad or poor police officers.  I do think however, that you are very mismanaged. I in all true honesty believe; that our police chief needs to resign immediately.  Then, the City of Portsmouth needs to hire a replacement from outside the department and from another city.  Someone, who has no ties to this area.

Why?  Are the citizens of Portsmouth not given reports or information of where the city stands with crime and law enforcement?

Would it have been so hard to publish these statistics to the general public for just the simple reason of proving, that your department is transparent and above board on its fight against crime in our city?  Wearing that shield means you have a responsibility to the citizens of this city.  It’s not a free pass or warrants you any special privileges.

The only reports we the citizens get from the chief of police is that we are in a crime wave!  We need 7 more policemen to battle this criminal element.  When you are already 7 officers over staffed by population and other cities comparable in size!

What about officer’s physical training requirements?

I know we have several officers who are extremely over weight or suffer from some debilitating health issues that prevent them from performing their duties as a police officer safely.  Where are the guidelines for the physical fitness of a Portsmouth police officer?

Ok! That’s enough for now!  Folks, just remember this!

Vote NO on the proposed Income Tax Increase!