Dear COBA Members;

First and foremost I want to again thank all of you who put your confidence in me and your newly elected Board by voting for and entrusting us to work on all of our behalf to make this Union and profession better and stronger. We have lived through some bad times recently and endured many hardships. Some of which, as I outlined during my campaign could have been avoided. As we took control of the Union and began pouring through the books of the organization, it became glaringly apparent that our Union must move forward financially to keep up with the current pace of doing business in this world. During the wage freeze and prior to that our Union's Dues structure was kept at the same level because it was always argued that "it wasn't the right time" to make a change for one reason or another. Now we are forced to confront the realization that if we are to be competitive in this business we need to adjust our Dues structure so that we can continue to work toward accomplishing the goal of protecting our Members and providing the proper benefits for all of us and our families going forward. I have had many conversations with our Members regarding this since the election, so it should come as no shock to many of you that the Dues of this Union need to be increased.  

On January 7th I held my first Board of Governors meeting and along with issues currently affecting us in the jail, the dues issue was discussed in detail. Our current By-Laws dictate that Membership Dues shall be no less than 30 dollars per Member nor more than 1.4% of a top paid Correction Officers salary. The current dues, as has been the case for many years is 1.1% of the top pay salary. After the discussion, a vote was taken and by a unanimous vote of the Board of Delegates along with the full unanimous support of the Executive Board the Dues shall be increased to the 1.4% amount allowable by our By-Laws.  

This decision was not made lightly and many factors were taken into account. This Union will diligently work to keep expenses in line. As I promised during my campaign, I will not accept a Union car during my term and am ridding the organization of 2 cars that I believe are unnecessary for the way we will do business.

I have directed that a full audit of the organization be conducted and the Board of Delegates voted to bid for accounting/auditing companies that will provide that service. I urge all Members to attend our first General Membership Meeting that will be held at Levittown Hall on February 3rd 2016, where I will delve into greater detail the reasons for this increase in dues and where we plan to allocate those monies.

I am humbled by the overwhelming support that I received when you elected me to this position. For those of you who did not vote for me, I ask that you do not detract from the work that needs to be done or dwell on any negatives.  

Support your Union, support each other and support this profession. Be proud of the vital, essential role you play in Public Safety and Law Enforcement. We will win some, and we will lose some. But always remember we will always have your back.

Always yours in Unionism

Brian Sullivan