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Staff to present ordinance extending police DROP participation from five to eight years
Summary
Human resources reported an agreement with the Police Benevolent Association covering 10/01/2025–09/30/2027 including COLA increases and a proposal (Ordinance 2025‑27) to extend the police DROP from five to eight years; staff said the change aids recruitment and retention and likely mirrors neighboring agencies.
Human resources director Sandra Davis told commissioners the city and the Police Benevolent Association reached an agreement for 10/01/2025–09/30/2027 that includes cost‑of‑living increases and a proposal to extend the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) participation from five to eight years for eligible officers.
Details the staff presented: Davis summarized the amendments: a cost‑of‑living increase effective 10/01/2025 (stated in the presentation as a 5.55% increase) and an additional 5% increase the following year; an extension of DROP participation from five to eight years; and an offer of free family recreation center memberships for bargaining unit members (estimated cost: $10,000).
Why the change: Staff said many neighboring agencies have moved to an eight‑year deferred retirement option and that the statewide change in 2022 extended DROP in some jurisdictions; commissioners asked how the change affects benefits and whether it imposes additional cost on the city. Staff explained the DROP mechanism defers regular retirement benefit payments into an account while employees continue working; staff said the change was intended to improve recruitment and retention and "doesn't cost the city anything" in immediate outlays.
Next steps: Davis said she will present an ordinance to the commission (Ordinance 2025‑27) tied to the DROP change and associated contract amendments; commissioners requested clarification on benefit impacts and how the change compares with neighboring agencies. The work session did not record a vote; the ordinance was described as forthcoming for formal consideration.
