Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Merced Police Officers Association (MPOA) with a Term of July 1, 2021 Through June 30, 2024 and Approval of Supplemental Appropriation in Fund 087 American Rescue Plan Act in the Amount of $121,508 and Fund 157 CFD-Police in the Amount of $1,445
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Merced Police Officers Association (MPOA) with a term of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 and approval of Supplemental Appropriation in Fund 087 American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $121,508 and Fund 157 CFD-Police in the amount of $1,445.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2021-96, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Memorandum of Understanding with Merced Police Officers Association (MPOA); and authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to make non-substantive modifications subject to City Attorney approval and to execute the necessary documents; and,
B. Approving a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $121,508 from Fund 087 American Rescue Plan Act for 1% premium pay and transferring to various funds in which MPOA employees are funded; and,
C. Approving a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $1,445 from Fund 157 CFD-Police to cover unbudgeted costs for the signing bonus; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or
2. Take no action; or
3. Refer back to staff with instructions.
AUTHORITY
Resolution No. 80-106 - Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced Establishing an Employer-Employee Organizations Relations Policy.
Meyers Milias Brown Act.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2021/22 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City’s negotiations team and the Merced Police Officers Association (MPOA) unit have completed the collective bargaining process and have reached agreement on a contract. The contract is consistent with City Council direction and provides base wage increases and other benefits, along with updating the MOU language to align with new state and federal laws. Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding.
The primary changes from the previous Memorandum of Understanding are as follows:
• Term: the term of the agreement will be effective July 1, 2021 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024.
• Wages: Base wage increases will be retroactive to July 12, 2021 for the current fiscal year and will increase as follows: year one (2021) 3%, year two (2022) 3%, and year three (2023) 3%.
• Equity Adjustment: Equity wage increases for Dispatcher positions will be retroactive to July 12, 2021 and will increase as follows: year one (2021) 2%, year two (2022) 2%, and year three (2023) 2%.
• Premium Pay: An additional base wage increase will be retroactive to July 12, 2021 and will increase as follows: year one (2021) 1%, year two (2022) 1%, and year three (2023) 1%.
• Signing Bonus: A $500 signing bonus will be provided to all members upon ratification of the MOU.
• Senior Sergeants Designation: Upon the one-year completion of Step 5 as a Sargent, an employee will be eligible to receive a 5% increase. The continuance of this designation is contingent upon satisfactory performance as outlined by the current Employee Performance Review.
• Additional Holidays: Two additional holidays have been added, Cesar Chavez Day and Juneteenth, along with the ability to implement new federally approved days going forward.
• Incentive Pays: Allows for two additional incentive categories and establishes capped amounts for the purposes of multiple assignments based on the categorial collateral duty or assignment duty, at the sole discretion of the Chief of Police.
• Retiree Health: Employees who have been excluded from retiree health eligibility will be allowed access at the employees full cost. In addition, employees will be afforded the opportunity to establish a Retiree Health Savings Account.
• Other Items: Dispatcher Training Pay Increase from 1.5% to 5.0%, Compensatory Time Off Cap increase to 160 hours and Vacation Cash Out Increased to 40 hours.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The adopted FY 2021/22 Budget includes the base wage and equity adjustments. Additional appropriation is needed for the premium pay and signing bonus from Fund 087 American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $121,508 and Fund 157 CFD-Police in the amount of $1,445.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Memorandum of Understanding
2. Resolution 2021-96