Brookings council approves three-year Teamsters contract covering 2025–2028

The Brookings City Council on July 28 authorized the city manager to execute a three-year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 0223 covering the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

City Manager Tim briefed the council that the agreement includes a 4.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for fiscal year 2025–26; for 2026–27 and 2027–28 wage adjustments tied to the CPI-W February index with a minimum 1.5% and maximum 4.5%, and an additional CPI wage adjustment of 2% in 2027 (transcript wording noted a staged adjustment). The agreement also aligns longevity pay with the police schedule (tiers based on years of service) and increases life insurance from $10,000 to $20,000. Staff said the contract includes provisions for replacement of damaged clothing and other routine updates.

City staff present for the item included Lou Ellard (finance director/HR director), labor attorney Diana Moffitt and Public Works/Development Services Director Tony Baron, who participated in negotiations along with the city manager. Council members thanked staff for completing a three-year agreement, which councilors described as beneficial for stability and standardization across city employee groups.

The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the Teamsters collective bargaining agreement passed; the audio transcript records yes votes from Councilor Mulford, Councilor Bart and Mayor Hodges and notes the motion carried.

The contract as presented was described as the result of several months of negotiations with the Teamsters and a new chief bargaining official for the union; staff said they are available to answer follow-up questions.