AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- City of Austin leaders on Thursday unveiled their plans for a pay increase and other benefits for Austin Police officers, even as the two sides remain deadlocked on reaching a new agreement before the current contract expires on March 31.
The plan announced Thursday is related to an ordinance passed unanimously by City Council on Feb. 23.
"This is a good day for our City and for the women and men of the Austin Police Department," Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement. "We are delivering on our promises, and just one week after a Council directive, the Interim City Manager has presented us with a substantial pathway to financially supporting the officers who serve this community."
Council's vote last week follows an earlier vote that set aside a tentatively agreed to four year contract with the Austin Police Association, in favor of new negotiations on a temporary one-year extension of the current contract - something the APA has said it has no interest in.
The plan announced Thursday includes a 4% increase in pay for all officers under the rank of assistant chief beginning on April 1. An incentive for new cadets of up to $15,000 is also included, along with retention incentives for current officers and increasing pay for those nearing retirement.
"This plan demonstrates the commitment this City has to keeping its word and supporting our officers," said Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon. "APD officers keep this community safe, and they deserve to be compensated well for doing so; this plan is an important part of ensuring officers feel valued by the people they serve."
Despite the assurances from city leadership, it's not yet clear what effect these actions will have on rank and file officers - with as many as 171 officers being fully eligible to retire, and another 138 with 20 years of service who could become eligible. Estimates are that at least 77 officers are considering their options.
“These ordinances can be changed at any council meeting or vote,” said APA President Thomas Villarreal. “It’s helpful, but it’s not as helpful as a contract.”
The tentative four-year agreement negotiated between the city and APA would have called for a 14% increase over the four years of the contract, along with additional increases for existing officers if the city was unable to meet hiring goals set out in the agreement for 2024 and 2025.
