The Kent City Council authorized the mayor to sign a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 117 covering police commanders and assistant chiefs, effective Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2027.

Carrie Endicott, human resources director, told the council negotiations had concluded after several months and that the agreement is intended to maintain competitiveness in the labor market and help retain police leadership. "These updates are essential to retaining highly skilled law enforcement leaders and supporting the city's commitment to public safety," Endicott said when she introduced the contract at the meeting.

The motion before the council directed the mayor to sign the contract, set the term from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2027, and authorized budget adjustments necessary to implement the agreement. Council action was unanimous: the motion passed 7–0.

Council members and the mayor framed the vote as part of a broader personnel and retention strategy connected to the council’s earlier action the same evening to raise a dedicated sales tax for criminal‑justice hiring. Mayor Dana Ralph and other officials told the council the contract supports retention and compensation measures intended to keep Kent competitive in regional recruitment for sworn leadership positions.

The agreement will take effect Jan. 1, 2025; staff said budget amendments and implementation steps will follow to reflect negotiated terms and to keep compensation competitive in the local market.