GIRARD Chief: I get no respect

The chief said he's had ideas to save money that were ignored.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- All Police Chief Frank Bigowsky is looking for is a little respect.
It has been about six months since he became the city's top cop, and so far he appears to be less than happy with the experience. Bigowsky, a 31-year-veteran who had been a captain, came out on top last year on the police chief exam given by the civil service commission.
In a six-month report to council this week, Bigowsky said he, and the position of chief, have been disrespected by city leaders.
The chief said he's not going anywhere, but would like to see better treatment from the city.
Bigowsky gave city officials four primary examples of issues he feels amount to disrespectful treatment, including a police department budget drafted by the administration that did not allow for his input. Bigowsky said he had ideas that would have saved the city money.
The chief said he also wanted to save the department money in overtime by working certain cases at a flat hourly rate of pay -- for time worked only -- above his salary as chief. But that idea was shot down by the administration as setting a bad precedent, he said. The police department spent $153,000 in overtime last year.
Increasing revenue
Bigowsky also said an idea to increase revenue, via a payment system from insurance companies to the department for police time, was tabled and never mentioned again.
Bigowsky said his duties have increased but his salary has decreased by almost $2,000 annually.
"It is bad enough they disrespect me by not considering my suggestions, but they insult me by not adjusting my salary," he said. "It is not just disrespectful to me but to the position."
Councilman Joe Shelby has been pushing for pay raises for the police chief and fire chief positions. Shelby has said both chiefs are past due for pay raises.
Shelby said both chiefs have subordinates making more than them in base salary. He would like the chiefs to each make at least $1 a year more in base pay than their top subordinates.
The police chief has been paid an annual salary of $47,000 since 2000. The fire chief has been paid an annual salary of $48,250 since 2001.
Mayor James Melfi said that the bulk of the chief's complaints seem to be financial, but that no increases in pay will be given to any city employees at this time. He said Bigowsky took the position fully aware of the rate of pay.
Fiscal emergency
"While this city is in fiscal emergency I will not entertain pay raises for anyone," he said. "[Bigowsky] should have known what the position paid and accepted or not accepted the job, it's as simple as that."
Melfi did agree that the chief lost some income, considering overtime pay, with his move to chief in 2005.
Bigowsky said city leaders could make him a much happier man if they would treat him with the respect he and the position of chief deserve.
jgoodwin@vindy.com