Tehachapi council approves three-year police MOU with pay increases, night differential and longevity pay

The Tehachapi City Council voted 4-0 to adopt a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tactical Police Officers Association that increases base pay and adds a night-shift differential and a flat-rate longevity schedule for sworn officers.

The agreement covers fiscal years 2025 through 2028. Year one of the contract provides a 5% salary increase. For the next two years the contract provides an either/or adjustment: an additional 5% or an annual cost-of-living adjustment (whichever is higher). The MOU also adds $1 per hour for regularly scheduled night shifts (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and replaces percentage-based longevity payments with a flat payment schedule at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service, subject to performance and minimum-hours requirements.

City Manager Corey presented the negotiated package to the council, saying staff and the…