Kennewick approves three-year police support staff contract with 3% raises in 2025–26, CPI adjustment in 2027

The Kennewick City Council unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Kennewick Police Support Services Association (KPSSA) on Jan. 21. The agreement runs Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.

City staff reported the KPSSA contract had expired Dec. 31, 2024, and that negotiations were completed in good faith. Staff said the economic provisions include 3% wage increases in 2025 and 2026; the 2027 increase will be tied to the CPI‑W West B/C index from June 2025 to June 2026 with a specified minimum tied to a new step (step F) representing a 4% increase over step E. Staff also said the contract increases the clothing allowance by $150 per employee. Staff reported the economic provisions fall within council-authorized amounts and are budgeted for 2025–2026.

Council member Milbauer moved to approve the agreement; Council member Beauchamp seconded. Council member Trumbull raised a transparency concern, saying the public had not had an opportunity to observe labor negotiations and estimating an approximate $85,000 three‑year impact on the general fund. Staff and the clerk recorded the vote as unanimous in favor.

Council discussion also noted inconsistent wording in the presented document regarding the association’s name (references in the packet alternately used “Support Services” and “Support Specialist”); the council did not alter the motion but recorded the inconsistency for correction in the final contract documentation.