BOSTON — Using more civilian details at work sites is among cost-saving measures unveiled by Beacon Hill leaders yesterday to cope with the costs of maintaining the state's roads, bridges and public transit system.
Under the proposal, which originated in the state Senate, Massachusetts would for the first time regulate the use of police details at public works sites, spelling out when civilian flagmen could be used.
Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, co-chairman of the Legislature's Transportation Committee, is the Senate point man for the bill. At a Statehouse press conference, he said the limits on police details were just a start, as the state looks for ways to curb spending.
"Today is the first step," Baddour said.
Last year, the Transportation Finance Commission, an independent panel appointed by former Gov. Mitt Romney in 2004, estimated the police monopoly on details would cost the state $100 million over 20 years. It's unclear how much police details cost cities and towns.
About 4.5 percent of the total cost of the Massachusetts Highway Department's construction projects goes to pay for police details.
While police details are not required at public construction sites, they are used as a matter of long-standing practice, Baddour said. The Senate plan, Baddour said, would "untie the hands of municipal officials" who feel they must use police.
Opening up police details to flagmen is a hot-button issue, as police seek to protect a lucrative side job while cities and towns and state officials look for ways to save money.
In recognition of the controversial nature of the plan, Baddour was quick to add: "We're not eliminating police details."
Andover Town Manager Reginald "Buzz" Stapczynski welcomed the plan. Police are paid time-and-a-half for details. While useful at road sites, because of their ability to arrest people and the respect they command, Stapczynski said police details have a cost.
"There's a cost associated with police being on road jobs and outside details," Stapczynski said. "This could give us flexibility in negotiating future contacts and paid details."
Haverhill Patrolman Association President Steve Iannalfo said he encouraged lawmakers to spell out where police and flagmen are appropriate — because he believes state officials will eventually determine police are superior to flagmen.
Asked if protecting pay was an issue, Iannalfo said it was not.
"It's about a public safety issue, " he said.
Making it easier for civilian flagmen to replace police was one of several measures rolled out yesterday to save money. Lawmakers also proposed requiring new Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority hires to contribute to their health care costs as retirees. Currently, they pay nothing.
The Transportation Finance Commission estimated it would cost the state between $15 billion and $20 billion over the next 20 years just to maintain the state's existing transportation infrastructure.
Recommendations for an 11.5 cent gas tax hike and tolls on major highways were not included. Gov. Deval Patrick, who backs the Senate plan, said lawmakers must find savings first.
"We should do it first before we go to the public for broad-based tax revenue," Patrick said.
The measure, which Senate lawmakers will attach to a $4.8 billion transportation borrowing bill, also has the support of House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, and Senate President Therese Murray, which Baddour said means it should pass.
But Rep. Bradley Jones Jr., R-North Reading, said that other than police details and health care cost controls, the Senate plan is terribly vague.
If anything, Jones said, there's too much studying. For instance, there's language to require MassHighway to track its cash flow, and require the state highway agency to study the best practices of other states. And the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority would evaluate switching from manual to electronic toll collections.
"It's akin to saying, you're house is on fire but before you do anything you have to evaluate what equipment you need," Jones said. "Before you do that, the house is gone. It's very frustrating."
And Democrats aren't sure they're on board. Rep. Theodore Speliotis, D-Danvers, who for public safety reasons would rather see police at construction sites, said he expects police unions to flex their muscle in opposition.
"It's going to be very difficult to get through the Legislature," Speliotis said.
Edward Mason may be contacted at emson@gloucestertimes.com.
