The Orangeville Police Association released a statement yesterday complaining that while residents of the area enjoy living in one of the safest communities in Ontario, "a little-known issue in local policing looms in the background."

Spokesman Scott Davis said both uniformed and civilian members of the town's police service have been without a working contract since January 1, 2006.

"The previous collective agreement between the Orangeville Police Association and the Orangeville Police Services Board was effective from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005," he said.

"The parties began negotiating a renewal agreement in November 2005 but were unable to reach an agreement.

He said that as a result of the municipal election in November 2006, the Police Services Board's membership changed and the newly constituted board refused to recognize the progress made at the bargaining table prior to November 2006 and insisted that all bargaining be commenced afresh.

"Although the Association objected to this, further negotiations occurred between the parties. After several attempts to reach an agreement the conciliation process has been attempted on two occasions for the uniform member's collective agreement and on one occasion for the civilian collective agreement."

"This continues to be a very frustrating situation for our members," Cst. Davis added.

"We are now in our 31st month without a contract. Over this period citizens of our community have continued to receive the high standard of service that they expect and deserve from our members. We are disappointed that the Police Services Board will not give us the same level of respect in return."

He said that at present "we are just about the lowest paid police service in the province. Our members only want to be paid a fair wage and benefits, in line with what employees at similar police services are being paid."

Police Board Chairman Cynthia Rayburn hadn't seen the release, and was reluctant to comment in a phone interview as the negotiations involve internal matters affecting personnel.

She did say, however, that the Board has been acting in the best interests of taxpayers.

She also said the contract issues would be going to arbitration.

The association represents 35 uniformed members and 22 civilian members.