Carmel council ratifies tentative police union agreement to restore pay steps, add premiums

The Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea City Council unanimously approved a tentative two‑year agreement with the Police Officers Association on Jan. 13, restoring step increases, adding traditional premium pays, and adjusting retirement cost‑sharing rules.

Staff presented the agreement and said it was negotiated over nine months. For sworn officers, the agreement restores step increases (moving from a condensed step structure to five steps), sets year‑1 base wage change at 0% but restores step progression to aid recruitment, and provides a 2.5% base salary increase in year 2. The contract reduces the required employee CalPERS contribution for employees hired after 2013 to 50% of the total cost as determined by CalPERS; staff cited current rates and said the reduction aligns local practice with neighboring agencies.

New or reinstated premium pays include shift differentials (2%–2.5% for night/cover shifts), field training officer and motorcycle duty pay (3% of base), certification pay (1.5%–3.5% depending on certification) and a longevity differential at five‑, 10‑ and 15‑year marks. A standby program will pay $200 per 24‑hour assignment during low‑staffing periods; staff said the program would be used only when needed and paused once vacancies are filled.

For non‑sworn classifications (dispatch and parking enforcement), the agreement provides 4% base wage increases in each of the two years and converts an older longevity step into a 3% longevity differential.

Council members praised staff’s work and the agreement, noting it should assist recruitment and reduce overtime and burnout associated with previous staffing reductions. Following a roll call, the council adopted Resolution 2026007 authorizing the tentative agreement; staff said the contract terms become effective upon ratification.