Council ratifies 2026 police contracts, approving 3% pay increases for two bargaining units

The Fort Wayne Common Council on Dec. 9 approved collective-bargaining agreements ratifying a 3% compensation increase for 2026 for police officers represented by the Patrolman's Benevolent Association (PBA) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Labor Council.

Adam Henry, counsel for the PBA, said the PBA and the administration negotiated a one-year financial package after considering the uncertainties created by state legislation. "So before you is a 3% raise for 2026," Henry said. He told council the union and administration worked collaboratively, increasing time-bank hours and identifying offsets so the package could be funded without a large new appropriation; Henry cited approximate savings to the police administration's 2026 budget of about $605,000 related to time-bank adjustments and other offsets.

Representatives of the FOP also presented and confirmed a 3% increase from 2025 to 2026. Sergeant John Nichter and Sergeant Mitch McKinney described the agreement and said it helps the department remain competitive with other law-enforcement employers in the state.

Council members framed the approvals as part of a broader strategy to retain officers amid retirement and recruitment pressures. The council recorded unanimous support for the committee recommendations and final passage votes for both measures.

What's next: City staff said the compensation changes are expected to be absorbed within departmental budgets using identified offsets; the contracts were ratified for the 2026 year as presented to council.