Commission ratifies lieutenants’ bargaining unit after hour‑long debate over disability and off‑duty pay

The City of Sweetwater on April 6 ratified a one‑year collective bargaining agreement recognizing the lieutenants’ bargaining unit and including two majors in the membership appendix. The vote passed after extended debate about benefit levels and administrative procedures.

Mayor Diaz and city negotiators described the agreement as a compromise that protects lieutenant positions with civil‑service status and gets salary adjustments implemented quickly. Deputy Chief Noel Gill and union representatives briefed the commission on operational details including off‑duty pay rates and a rotating assignment list for extra‑duty work.

A key point of contention was the disability compensation language. Commissioners and pension board members discussed the percentage payable to a disabled police officer under the contract; the meeting clarified that the applicable rate for high‑risk public‑safety employees in this context is 65% (tax‑free when qualifying as a disability pension), not the 75% currently applied to some rank‑and‑file retirements, and not the statutory 42% general‑employee minimum. Several commissioners urged the administration to revisit that number during upcoming negotiations.

Other issues raised included how off‑duty assignment work is distributed (seniority rotation vs. weekly senior pick), medical review procedures, and whether the contract language gives too much authority to the mayor on compensation appeals. The mayor said he would revisit specific language in future negotiations.

The motion to ratify was moved by Commissioner Sal Diaz and seconded by Commissioner Reinaldo Rey. The roll call recorded one no vote from the commission president; the item passed by majority vote.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are those who spoke during the deliberations and roll call on April 6.