Committee sends police pay bill to full council after unanimous recommendation

Substitute Bill 608-25, which authorizes wages and salaries for the fiscal year 2026 for members of the South Bend Police Department, received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Personal & Finance Committee and will go to the full council for consideration.

City Controller Kyle Willis presented the measure and outlined its principal terms: "This bill authorizes 4% increase for all members of the South Bend Police Department," plus increases to longevity pay and "includes a $3,500 residency bonus, for all member[s] ... that live within the city limits." Willis identified the package as a one-year agreement, similar to the existing agreement with the fire department.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about listed salaries for chiefs and assistant chiefs and about the bargaining process. Council member Bridal Simpson noted that the substitute bill now includes the previously missing chief and assistant chief salary listings. Dr. Davis, who moved the final approval in committee, praised "the good faith effort" during negotiations and thanked the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and staff for their work.

No members of the public spoke for or against the substitute bill during the public-hearing portion. The committee recorded roll-call votes of Aye by Committee member Thomas Morgan, Committee member Dr. Davis, Vice Chair White and Committee Chair Neskovsky (Moscoskie). The committee clerk recorded the motion, and the bill will proceed to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation.

The committee’s action does not itself adopt the pay changes; it forwards the substitute bill to the full council, which will take the final vote.