FGCU trustees unanimously approve police union contract and $24.2 million LBR

The Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees on Aug. 14 unanimously approved two action items: a 2024–2027 collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 195 and the university’s 2026 Legislative Budget Request totaling $24.2 million in recurring funding to implement FGCU’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.

Vice President and FGCU Financing Corporation Executive Director David Vazquez presented the police contract, saying negotiations focused largely on compensation. He described changes that include a cap on compensatory leave to reduce large leave balances, added temporary duty pay and an adjustment to officers' salary schedules, which he said has helped recruiting. "I believed FGCU had found a good balance and was in a 'sweet spot' regarding compensation," Vazquez said. He noted one law enforcement officer position remained open as part of the trainee program.

Trustees asked whether the University Police Department was fully staffed and whether FGCU's LEO pay lagged local agencies; Vazquez said FGCU's pay was about $8,000 less than the Lee County Sheriff's Office in regional comparisons and explained regional agencies drive market pressure. Trustee Leo Montgomery moved approval of the FOP agreement and Trustee Paul Applegarth seconded; the Board approved it by voice vote with all present in favor.

Director of Government Relations Jennifer Goen presented the 2026 Legislative Budget Request, which she said was developed over six to eight months through Cabinet review and alignment to the strategic plan. Goen described the $24.2 million request as recurring operational funding intended to support workforce preparation programs, technology upgrades, efforts to reduce students' time to degree, campus safety, services for nontraditional and vulnerable student groups and expanded community partnerships across Southwest Florida. President Aysegul Timur said the funds would help operationalize the strategic plan.

Trustees asked whether the Board could see the comprehensive list of campus requests that informed the LBR; Goen and President Timur said items not included in the LBR were reviewed for alternative funding and that the administration prioritized items that fit legislative parameters. Trustee Larry Antonucci moved approval of the LBR; Trustee Joseph Fogg seconded it. The motion passed by voice vote with unanimous support.

Votes at a glance: • 2024–2027 CBA — FGCU and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 195 (Tab #1): Mover Trustee Leo Montgomery; Second Trustee Paul Applegarth; vote: unanimous approved. • 2026 Legislative Budget Request (Tab #2): Mover Trustee Larry Antonucci; Second Trustee Joseph Fogg; vote: unanimous approved. • Amendment to UFF CBA (Tab #3): discussed separately; approved with one abstention (Trustee Derek Lura).

The Board adjourned at 9:37 a.m.