|
|
PBA member Eli Perrigin, employed with the Columbus Ms
Police Department was assisted in a pay issue after the
attorney for the city of Columbus advised the city council
it would be illegal for the city to pay the officer “Back
Pay”.
It all started when Officer Perrigin did not receive a pay
raise upon completion of his 12 months probation period, as
set forth in the cities personnel policies. Perrigin had
previously tried to correct the problem but was told the
city was not giving probationary raises anymore. A year
later it was discovered that the city was still giving
probationary raises and he began to push the issue again.
Officer Perrigan contacted PBA for guidance in the matter.
It was agreed that the matter should proceed before the city
council, providing them the opportunity to correct the
problem. If the city did not resolve the issue, then would
be the appropriate time to assess further action.
On February 15, 2005 the issue went before the Columbus City
Council. The council voted to give Officer Perrigin the 25
cent per hour pay raise that he should have received more
than a year prior. They also voted, to pay Perrigin some
$891.00 back pay due to him because of the cities error,
pending the review and approval of the city attorney.
Several days later , Officer Perrigin was told the city
attorney had advised the city it would be illegal for them
to pay “Back Pay”, therefore he would not be receiving the
$891.00.
Officer Perrigin contacted PBA and advise of the cities
action. Perrigin was advised to contact the city attorneys
office and ask for the code section prohibiting such payment
to him by the city. Perrigin never received a response. PBA
assigned attorney Dennis Harmon of Columbus to represent
Officer Perrigin in the recovery of his back wages. In a few
short days Perrigin received payment for his “Back Pay” from
the city.
In a case such as this, if the officer had to pay for his
own attorney it would not be financially beneficial for him
to pursue the matter himself. By the time the officer paid
taxes due on the money and attorney fees to get the money,
he probably would have LOST MONEY.
The moral to this story is, “It pays to be a member of PBA”. |