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Plainfield plans to outsource 9-1-1 dispatchers. |
At its agenda setting session Monday evening (February 4), Plainfield City Council will consider a resolution by the Finance Department to submit a layoff plan to the state. Note the time of the meeting has changed from 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
The subject of the layoff plan will be the 9-1-1 dispatchers. Dispatchers are currently employees of the city with benefits, contributions to the state pension system and civil service protections.
The administration proposes to outsource this function. The resolution states that "employees will have the opportunity to continue their career as dispatchers with the private company."
These are what is known as "weasel words" and do not touch on such matters as whether wages would remains the same, or the benefits these workers may be losing in having the positions privatized. Nor is it a promise of employment by the private contractor.
The city projects savings of between $850,000 and $2 million over the course of a 5-year contract with the private company. Savings on that order would suggest that the private company will pay workers less than the city currently does. The savings would presumably also include benefits no longer paid for by the City.
Though no firm is mentioned, you can be sure the administration has one in mind which will emerge in due course.
The notice to the state provides a 45-day window before the layoffs take effect, which means toward the end of March.
A number of years ago the City outsourced its animal control to Associated Humane Societies of Newark. That was supposed to save the city money, but I have noticed that the service's cost has creeped upwards over time. (It's an old trick called "lowballing" to get a contract.)
The Mapp administration also considered outsourcing the Planning Division a few years ago, a move that backfired when the community showed strong objection to that plan.
In this case, the community seems less likely to go to bat for the 9-1-1 dispatchers, who have little contact with the public except as anonymous voices on the other end of a 9-1-1 call.
In other communities, the union might fight to keep the jobs. We will have to see what happens in Plainfield.
Most of the rest of the business is routine.
There are however, two appointments.
Mayor Mapp is seeking the advice and consent of the Council to the appointment of C. Jean Rawls as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The Council is proposing to appoint Charles Simmons, Esq., to its seat on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
City Council meets at 7:00 PM February 4 (note the time change) in the Council Chambers / Courthouse at Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street. Parking available on the street and in the lot across from Police Headquarters.
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