The Richfield City Council on Dec. 9 approved two‑year labor agreements covering police officers (LELS Local 123) and police sergeants and lieutenants (Teamsters Local 320) for 2026–2027.

Key terms: both bargaining units will receive a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment plus a 1% market adjustment in 2026 and 2027. Specialty assignment pay for officers and sergeants increases from $300 to $350 per month; standby or court pay for felony‑level or county‑charged cases increases and clothing allowances increase (from $965 to $1,000 annually). On‑call compensation for lieutenants is set at $350 per month beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The contracts also extend consistent insurance benefits, including Minnesota’s paid‑leave program.

Fiscal impact and process: Assistant City Manager Tongvang said the net budget impact is about $75,000 and characterized the settlement as “within budget.” City staff and union representatives thanked negotiators and stewards for a professional process. Councilmember Burke moved to adopt the resolutions and authorize the city manager to execute the agreements; the motion passed by unanimous roll call.

What’s next: The agreements take effect Jan. 1, 2026 and run through Dec. 31, 2027. Human resources and finance staff will implement the pay and benefit changes and reflect them in payroll and budget documents.