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Council ratifies three‑year police contract with 5% raises in first two years and new shift differential
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Summary
Council approved a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the local Fraternal Order of Police that includes 5% wage increases on Oct. 1, 2025 and Oct. 1, 2026, a 2% shift differential for overnight hours, and retirement cap adjustments tied to later ordinances.
Jacksonville Beach — The City Council voted Sept. 15 to approve a three‑year collective bargaining agreement with the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) that takes effect Oct. 1, 2025 and continues through Sept. 30, 2028, with a reopener in year three limited to wages.
Deputy City Manager Karen Nelson summarized negotiations that began April 1 and spanned seven sessions before reaching a tentative agreement on Aug. 22; the union ratified the agreement on Aug. 25. Major financial provisions recorded in the council packet and summarized at the meeting include 5% wage increases effective Oct. 1, 2025 and Oct. 1, 2026, and a reopener for wages in year three. The contract also adds a 2% shift differential for all hours worked between 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Nelson said retirement monetary caps will increase in line with related ordinances presented to council; the 90% benefit cap remains unchanged and other retirement purchase provisions were addressed separately. Sergeant David Cohill and Corporal Scott O’Connell attended the meeting representing the union.
Council speakers praised the agreement as a recruitment and retention step: Council member Jansen said the changes support police staffing and commended the department; Council members Horn and Wouters echoed support. Council approved the agreement by roll call with unanimous “yes” votes.
Ending: The council authorized the city to finalize and execute the agreement; payroll impacts tied to the contract will be disclosed in subsequent agenda items when implementation details are finalized.
