Council approves $4.51M for Newton Patrol Association collective bargaining agreement

The Public Safety & Transportation Committee of Newton City convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss significant financial matters related to collective bargaining agreements for the Newton Patrol Association (NPA) and the Grama Association. The meeting focused on the appropriation and transfer of $4,510,000 to settle outstanding obligations from previous fiscal years and to prepare for upcoming salary adjustments.

The committee began by addressing the collective bargaining agreement process, which had recently concluded with a decision from the Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC). This decision pertains to the contract covering fiscal years 2022 through 2024. Mr. Rosenfield provided an overview, explaining that the funds would be sourced from free cash and current year wage reserves to cover salaries owed for fiscal years 2022, 2023, 2024, and the current fiscal year 2025.

A key point of discussion was the need to transfer additional funds to accommodate salary increases for fiscal year 2026, as the budget had initially been prepared using outdated salary tables. The committee clarified that while the current contracts are settled through June 30, 2024, negotiations for contracts covering fiscal years 2025 to 2027 have not yet commenced, although discussions with the NPA are expected to resume soon.

Committee members raised questions regarding the implications of these financial adjustments on the police department's budget. It was confirmed that the budget approved earlier this year did not account for the new salary figures, and while the overall budget would not be amended, the actual expenses would reflect the updated salary agreements once fiscal year 2026 concludes.

After thorough discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve the appropriation of $4,510,000 for the Newton Patrol Association collective bargaining agreement. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote, marking a significant step in addressing the financial commitments to the city's public safety personnel. The committee plans to continue monitoring the budget and prepare for future negotiations with other unions.