Richland council adopts 2026–27 contract with Police Professional Staff Guild
January 20, 2026 | Richland , Benton County, Washington
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The Richland City Council unanimously approved a two‑year collective bargaining agreement on Jan. 20 that covers wages, hours and working conditions for the newly certified Richland Police Professional Staff Guild.
HR Director Lacey Paulson told council the Public Employment Relations Commission certified the guild as the exclusive representative for about 18 full- and part‑time noncommissioned positions, and that the parties reached a tentative agreement on Dec. 19, 2025, which guild members ratified on Jan. 6, 2026. "This new collective bargaining agreement... covers the wages, hours, and working conditions for the newly formed unit," Paulson said during the presentation.
The agreement establishes a seven-step wage table; employees will progress one step per year until reaching the top step after seven years, and current employees will be slotted into the next higher step so they do not lose pay. Paulson said five employees whose current pay exceeds the top step will be grandfathered and will receive only cost-of-living adjustments going forward. The contract ties cost-of-living adjustments to 100% of CPI‑W (April to April) with a 1.5% minimum and a 3.5% maximum. The agreement also provides a 30‑minute paid meal period for anyone working five hours or more in a day, and maintains health insurance, deferred compensation and paid-time-off benefits "status quo" with unaffiliated employees.
Council members praised the negotiation process. "It's always a positive thing when we come to an agreement like this," Council member Meyer said. Council member Witten, who identified himself as a union member, likewise noted the value of reaching a negotiated settlement.
The motion to adopt the resolution (designated in the packet as Resolution No. 202609) was made and seconded; council approved the measure with a unanimous vote. The consent vote followed roll-call confirmation of Mayor Richardson, Mayor Pro Tem Van Dyke and Council members Holton, Jones, Meyer and Witten. No council member opposed the adoption.
The contract takes effect upon execution and covers calendar years 2026 and 2027. The city manager and HR staff will return to council with implementation details as the agreement is executed and any administrative changes are required.
HR Director Lacey Paulson told council the Public Employment Relations Commission certified the guild as the exclusive representative for about 18 full- and part‑time noncommissioned positions, and that the parties reached a tentative agreement on Dec. 19, 2025, which guild members ratified on Jan. 6, 2026. "This new collective bargaining agreement... covers the wages, hours, and working conditions for the newly formed unit," Paulson said during the presentation.
The agreement establishes a seven-step wage table; employees will progress one step per year until reaching the top step after seven years, and current employees will be slotted into the next higher step so they do not lose pay. Paulson said five employees whose current pay exceeds the top step will be grandfathered and will receive only cost-of-living adjustments going forward. The contract ties cost-of-living adjustments to 100% of CPI‑W (April to April) with a 1.5% minimum and a 3.5% maximum. The agreement also provides a 30‑minute paid meal period for anyone working five hours or more in a day, and maintains health insurance, deferred compensation and paid-time-off benefits "status quo" with unaffiliated employees.
Council members praised the negotiation process. "It's always a positive thing when we come to an agreement like this," Council member Meyer said. Council member Witten, who identified himself as a union member, likewise noted the value of reaching a negotiated settlement.
The motion to adopt the resolution (designated in the packet as Resolution No. 202609) was made and seconded; council approved the measure with a unanimous vote. The consent vote followed roll-call confirmation of Mayor Richardson, Mayor Pro Tem Van Dyke and Council members Holton, Jones, Meyer and Witten. No council member opposed the adoption.
The contract takes effect upon execution and covers calendar years 2026 and 2027. The city manager and HR staff will return to council with implementation details as the agreement is executed and any administrative changes are required.
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