The Salinas City Council on Dec. 9 approved tentative agreements with two police bargaining units. Staff summarized terms for the Salinas Police Officers Association (POA): a two-year agreement (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027) with a 3% increase in January 2026, a 2% market adjustment, and additional increases in 2027 plus specialty premiums for drone pilots and SWAT and higher night-shift differential. The Police Managers Association agreement runs three years (2026–2028) and includes step and annual increases plus increased compensatory time off.

Staff estimated cumulative costs for the POA at roughly $3.38 million for the term and $1.99 million for the Police Managers Association. Council discussed recruitment and retention goals; staff said the increases and equity adjustments aim to bring Salinas pay closer to Bay Area comparators. The council voted to approve the agreements.