Medina ratifies three-year contracts for patrol and dispatch units; one abstention recorded

The Medina City Council on Jan. 6 ratified two three-year collective bargaining agreements with the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association covering patrol officers and communication (dispatch) officers.

Mayor James A. Shields summarized the patrol officers' contract, describing it as a three-year deal with a 4% wage increase in 2026, 4% in 2027, and a 3% increase in 2028 accompanied by a 1% pension pickup in the third year. Shields also noted adjustments to the health insurance contribution language and a written acknowledgment of the city’s current practice on employee premium contributions.

During roll call on Ordinance 1-26 (patrol officers), Councilmember Denny Simpson announced an abstention, stating he has a relative employed by the police department; the ordinance passed on the roll call 5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention. Ordinance 2-26, covering the communication officers, was presented with substantially similar financial terms and passed unanimously, 6–0.

Council had earlier voted to suspend the normal three-reading rule so both ordinances could be adopted at the same meeting.

Council and staff did not provide total dollar figures or projected budgetary impact in the meeting record; Human Resources and the finance office were directed to implement the agreements following execution. The council recorded no motions to reopen negotiations or to amend the agreements at the meeting.