Commission ratifies three-year settlement with police union; city budgets $275,000 fiscal impact this year

The Birmingham City Commission voted to adopt a settlement agreement between the city and the Birmingham Police Officers Association (BPOA). A union representative said the parties reached agreement on Nov. 3; union membership ratified the accord on Nov. 6.

Key terms the commission was told include a three-year contract through June 30, 2028; annual wage adjustments of 3.5% for 2025, 4% for 2026 and 3.5% for 2027; a 5% wage increase for dispatch positions; a 5% employee contribution match to a 401(a) plan; sergeant officer-in-charge pay; a $150 increase to annual uniform allowances; six shifts of paid military leave for serving members; and adjustments to holiday premiums and earned sick time act compliance language. Staff stated the fiscal impact for this year is approximately $275,000 and indicated those funds are budgeted in the wage adjustment account.

Commissioners asked about the ratification timeline and staff pointed to an email in the packet confirming union ratification. The motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the settlement and necessary transfers to wage-adjustment accounts passed by roll call.

Next steps: staff to effect required budget transfers and incorporate contract terms into payroll and human resources processing.