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Newport approves 7% salary increase for police in MOU with Fraternal Order of Police
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Summary
The Newport Board of Commissioners authorized the city manager to execute a memorandum of understanding with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 2 that includes a 7% across‑the‑board pay increase for ranks from recruit through sergeant; the motion passed unanimously.
The Newport Board of Commissioners voted unanimously April 20 to authorize the city manager to execute a memorandum of understanding with Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge No. 2 that includes a 7% across‑the‑board salary increase for police recruits through sergeants.
City Manager John Hayden explained the contract follows several rounds of bargaining and was designed to improve recruitment and retention. “We were recommending the salary packages in front of you tonight, which represents a 7% across the board increase,” Hayden said, describing the change as a market adjustment to help the department compete regionally.
The lodge’s president told the commission the package “positions us competitively, starting out,” and that higher mid‑ and later‑career grades will help keep officers in Newport. Commissioners asked how the new scale compared with neighboring agencies and were told the increase narrows gaps at entry while improving later‑career retention.
The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the MOU was moved and seconded on the floor; during roll call all commissioners present voted yes and the motion carried.
The agreement is intended to address staffing challenges the city cited during negotiations and will take effect according to the MOU’s implementation schedule. The commission did not detail changes to the city budget at the meeting; commissioners said staff will follow up with financial and implementation details.
