Council approves collective bargaining agreement with Police Command Guild covering lieutenants

Mount Vernon — The city council on Wednesday authorized the mayor to execute a collective bargaining agreement with the Police Command Guild that covers three police lieutenants and takes effect from August 2025 through December 2027.

Human resources director Erin Cater told council the lieutenants organized in April 2025 and that negotiations focused on pay compression between sergeants and lieutenants and on time-off provisions. She described the deal’s primary elements: increased differential between sergeants and lieutenants; removal of lieutenants’ ability to earn overtime in favor of an exempt FLSA classification; and an annual 70 hours of professional leave to offset lost overtime.

Nut graf: The agreement affects three employees, runs through December 2027, and carries an approximate additional cost of $15,600 for the remainder of the year, city staff said. Council moved to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement and the motion passed.

Council members asked clarifying questions; one asked whether the change would create compression with the chief’s salary. Cater replied the agreement does not create that compression.

Ending: Council authorized the mayor to sign the Police Command Guild agreement; staff will implement the pay and leave changes.