Peoria council approves two-year MOU merging police labor groups with pay adjustments
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Summary
Council approved a two-year memorandum of understanding that merges the Peoria Police Officers Association and the police sergeants’ group, includes 5% market adjustments in each year, new lump-sum payments, and retirement-plan changes; the MOU passed 7-0.
City staff presented a tentative agreement to merge two public-safety labor groups — the Peoria Police Officers Association (PPOA) and a police sergeants association (COPS) — into a single memorandum of understanding effective July 1, 2026, for two years. The presentation emphasized negotiation timelines and joint work between city staff and union representatives.
Deputy HR director Brienne/Brianne Nelson and labor leaders outlined the agreement’s primary economic terms: a 5% market adjustment in year one and a 5% market adjustment in year two; onetime lump-sum payments tied to successful evaluations for employees at the top of range; and a transition of specialty pay from a fixed-dollar to a percentage-based formula. The agreement also establishes a new retirement account option allowing eligible PPOA members to participate in a 401(a) plan; staff noted the city contribution would be moved to that account and cited a $50 city contribution to that plan.
Union presidents and negotiators told council the agreement addressed priority items for retention and competitiveness. Staff and union representatives said the agreement is intended to keep Peoria’s pay within market and reduce transfers to competing jurisdictions.
Council asked how the terms compare with benchmark cities; staff said the contract contains assurances tied to identified benchmark communities so the city will remain at or above average compensation. After the presentation and brief Q&A, the council voted to approve item 22R by a 7-0 margin.
The MOU will take effect 07/01/2026 and remain in force through 06/30/2028, per staff presentation.