Council adopts emergency MOA with police union to allow lateral hires at higher pay steps

Pepper Pike—ouncil on Dec. 19 voted to adopt an emergency ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign a memorandum of agreement with the police union that changes how lateral hires are credited on the pay scale.

Mayor and police leadership described the change as a recruitment tool designed to attract officers with experience. "It brings in a three-year veteran and puts them at top pay right from the start," the chief said, adding that the candidate would still need to pass the civil-service test and the department—ield Training Officer program.

Council members praised the collaboration with the union and the administration. The council moved to suspend the rules and adopted the ordinance by roll call, declaring the measure an emergency to expedite implementation. Council also thanked the chief, the mayor and union representatives for negotiating the agreement.

What the MOA does and does not do

- Allows lateral hires with three years' experience to be placed at an elevated pay step in the union contract to remain competitive with neighboring departments. - Does not remove civil-service or testing requirements. Candidates must still pass required exams and training before final appointment.

Implementation steps

The police department will proceed with operational steps to implement the pay-step accommodation and continue civil-service testing for applicants. The administration said the change will help the city fill positions with ready-to-work officers who will enter the local FTO program.

Reporting note: Direct quotes and implementation details are drawn from the council transcript and the chief's presentation at the meeting.