Billings approves police contract with 9% wage increase amid one dissent

The Billings City Council voted to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement for the Billings Police Department that includes a 9% wage increase and improvements to working conditions.

Councilmember Sam Kennedy, who said he normally supports police, announced he would oppose the contract and then voted no. Kennedy told colleagues the 9% increase—effectively about 3% a year over the contract term—does not bring Billings pay up to parity with Missoula, Bozeman or Helena and will not, in his view, stop experienced officers from leaving for higher-paying posts. "Will this contract help recruit more quality candidates? No," Kennedy said.

Proponents argued finalizing the agreement was necessary to end protracted negotiations and allow the department to move forward. Councilmember Boyette moved approval and said the agreement was accepted by the union and should be ratified so the department can proceed.

City staff and councilors also placed the contract in the larger fiscal context of constrained municipal revenues and limits set by the state legislature. Council members repeatedly said they will continue seeking new revenue sources to address longer-term pay and staffing gaps.

The motion passed on a voice vote; a single recorded no vote was cast by Councilmember Kennedy. Several speakers from the public urged approval earlier in the meeting: Jack Hansen, a Ward 4 resident, told the council he supported the contract and said the pay increase will help recruit and retain officers.

Council members and the mayor said the administration negotiated with the union through the city HR process and that the council itself was not directly involved in bargaining.

Next steps: the contract will take effect per its terms and the council said it will continue to explore revenue options to address longer-term staffing and compensation issues.