Mayor Mel Norton thinks the wage increase in the new police deal is too high considering the average Saint Johner only makes $35,000 a year and can't imagine salary increases anywhere close to 12 per cent over 3 years.
Norton tells CHSJ News he does like the the removal of the layoff clause and the ability to allow civilians into certain positions as officers retire.
He says that creates some flexibility because they can be filled by civillian employees who have a lower income.
Norton says the elimination of a training fund represents an immediate savings of $150,00 a year.