Oak Harbor council approves 2.5% COLA, adopts revised employee manual and ratifies union contracts
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Summary
The Oak Harbor City Council on Dec. 16 approved a 2.5% cost‑of‑living increase for nonrepresented employees, adopted an updated employee policy manual with a nepotism‑language edit, and authorized collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters and IAFF bargaining units. The council also approved a two‑year mobile‑forensics purchase and extended an interim municipal‑court ILA through mid‑2026.
Oak Harbor — The City Council on Dec. 16 approved a package of employee pay and policy changes, ratified two union contracts and authorized a police forensic tool purchase.
Human Resources Director Emma House told the council the administration recommends a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for nonrepresented city employees effective Jan. 1, 2026, to reflect a slightly higher regional inflation trend. House said staff estimates the additional half‑percent will cost roughly $29,000 annually, with about two‑thirds borne by the general fund. Councilmember Jim Wiesner moved to adopt Resolution 25‑28; the motion passed unanimously.
House also presented a comprehensive update to the city’s employee policy manual — the first major revision since 2018 — consolidating multiple policies (exempt/nonexempt clarifications, transitional work, vacation accrual rules, wellness provisions) and removing the city’s shared‑sick‑leave policy. Councilmember Brian Stuckey proposed, and the council accepted, an amendment to replace the phrase “council member” with “elected official with the City of Oak Harbor” in the nepotism section; the revised manual (Resolution 25‑20) passed unanimously.
On labor contracts, the council authorized the mayor to sign a three‑year agreement (2026–2028) with Teamsters Local 231 covering Marina, Parks and Public Works employees. The contract includes a 2.5% COLA each year, market adjustments (2.5% for 2026; 1% in 2027 and 2028), a one‑time 40‑hour vacation bank and increases to workwear allowances. The council then authorized a two‑year collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 4504 for the Fire Department (2026–2027). That contract provides 2.5% COLA for both years, introduces paramedic classifications and adjusts out‑of‑class pay and sick‑leave/cash‑out provisions. Both contract authorizations were approved unanimously.
Public safety procurement: Police Chief Tony Slowick asked the council to approve a sole‑source, two‑year agreement with Magnet Forensics for mobile device forensics and training. Slowick said the system produces court‑ready reports and supports current iOS and Android operating systems. The stated contract total was $40,057.51; council approval was unanimous.
Other actions: The council approved a third amendment to the interlocal agreement (ILA) with Island County District Court to continue municipal court services at existing rates through July 1, 2026, to allow further data review. The council also approved consent agenda items with two reappointments to the salary commission (the reappointments passed 5–2) and approved accounts‑payable vouchers that included payments to the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce; Councilmember Marshall recused himself and the vouchers passed 6 in favor with 1 abstention.
What’s next: The employee manual and COLA take effect Jan. 1, 2026, per the adopted resolutions. County‑city court service talks will continue into 2026 as staff and county officials analyze data to set a long‑term rate.
Quote attribution: “We recommend that the cost of living adjustment for 2026 for nonrepresented employees be increased from 2% to 2.5%,” Emma House said when introducing the resolution. On policy language, Councilmember Brian Stuckey asked that nepotism language be edited to read “elected official with the City of Oak Harbor.”
The council adjourned at the close of the meeting.
