Grand Rapids City Council Approves Multiple Salary Ordinances for Employee Unions

The Grand Rapids City Commission convened on August 12, 2025, to address several key agenda items, primarily focused on salary ordinances for various employee groups within the city. The meeting began with a roll call vote, confirming the presence of all commissioners and the mayor.

The first significant item discussed was a salary ordinance for employees represented by the Grand Rapids Employees Independent Union. A motion was made and supported for immediate effect, which was approved unanimously. The ordinance stipulates wage increases of 4% effective July 1 for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, along with an additional pay step for employees after ten years of service.

Following this, the commission moved on to a similar salary ordinance for the Grand Rapids Officers Association, which includes crime scene technicians and latent print examiners. Again, a motion for immediate effect was made and supported, leading to a unanimous vote in favor.

The next item addressed was a salary ordinance for the Grand Rapids Police Command Officers Association. This ordinance outlines a three-year wage increase plan, with increases of 5%, 4%, and 2% scheduled to take effect on July 1 of each respective year. The commission voted in favor of this ordinance after a motion for immediate effect was made and supported.

Lastly, the commission discussed a salary ordinance for the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association, which includes officers and sergeants. A motion was made for immediate effect, and the commission proceeded with a roll call vote.

Overall, the meeting was marked by a series of unanimous votes in favor of the proposed salary ordinances, reflecting the commission's commitment to supporting city employees through structured wage increases over the coming years. The next steps involve the implementation of these ordinances as outlined.