The Brownsville City Commission has ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Brownsville Police Officers’ Association that covers currently employed and retired police officers.
The labor agreement, effective as of fiscal year 2022 and valid through Sept. 30, 2026, was celebrated in a ceremony at commission chambers on Dec. 13.
Included among the agreement’s key provisions is a market-rate adjustment of 14 percent to base pay spread out over the next four years for patrol officers entry level to four or more years of experience. The same applies to sergeants, lieutenants and commanders in the police department.
The agreement also includes 10 days of observed and paid holidays each year, with pay at time and a half for holidays worked, and active police are now eligible for the same healthcare benefits as the city’s civilian personnel. The city will also increase term life insurance policies to $50,000 for every actively employed police officers.
When not on a scheduled shift, officers are eligible for off-duty work at city-owned facilities when security is required for a function or event, according to the agreement. In addition to currently employed and retired police officers, benefits under the agreement apply to all officers who retire within the next four years.
Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez expressed satisfaction with the agreement.
“I am very pleased the city and the Brownsville Police Officers’ Association negotiated a labor agreement that has balance and supports our public safety personnel who work diligently for the community and sacrifice so much to keep our residents and community safe,” he said.
“This type of agreement reflects the City’s commitment to retaining high-caliber police officers, supporting those who have previously served the force and recruiting well-qualified police officers today and in the future.”
Helen Ramirez, interim city manager, called the agreement “an important milestone for both entities in that it brings stability to the city, our public safety officers and the community we serve.”
“Our City hosts annual large-scale events such as the Charro Days Parade, Sombrero Festival, the forthcoming Games of Texas in 2023 and thousands of visitors, and this ensures a safe, welcoming community to all. We appreciate the professionalism, expertise and resources our police officers manifest every day in the work they do for our community.”
The city signed a labor agreement with the Brownsville Firefighter’s Association Local No. 970 in October.
