Council split over counting paid leave toward 40-hour workweek in police contract

A contentious point in negotiations and council debate was whether paid time off — including vacation and certain leave — should count toward the 40-hour workweek that determines overtime eligibility. Some councilors said treating earned time off as hours worked is inconsistent with how other city employees are treated; others, including officers and union representatives, said counting that time fairly compensates officers who are asked to return on scheduled off days.

An officer testifying for the Fraternal Order of Police described recent staffing pressures and heavy overtime, saying colleagues had worked long consecutive stretches and that incentives help sustain staffing and morale. "He worked 12 straight days... my time with my family is way more valuable," the officer said, urging the council to preserve negotiated protections. Supporters of the clause argued overtime pay is less expensive than hiring additional staff and is a necessary incentive to ensure coverage.

Councilors acknowledged the trade-offs and said the language was a negotiation point; staff said some contract language changed in formatting and that other negotiated concessions were achieved. The council ultimately approved the agreement despite the split on this issue.