Pasco staff present two tentative 2026 labor agreements; fiscal impacts described

City staff presented two informational briefings on tentative collective‑bargaining agreements covering 2026.

Staff explained that a one‑year tentative agreement with the Pasco Police Officers Association (non‑uniformed unit) covers roles such as crime analysts, evidence technicians and police support staff, was ratified by the membership, and has an approximate fiscal impact of $30,000 based on current staffing. The agreement includes modest wage adjustments, a small increase to a shoe allowance and clarified comp‑time accrual, carryover and cash‑out provisions; staff said the terms were intended as a one‑year contract while the city resolves budget questions ahead of longer negotiations.

Separately, staff presented a tentative one‑year agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 280 representing roughly 108 public‑works and environmental‑services employees. The IUOE agreement (which the union ratified) includes the recent incorporation of animal‑control staff into the bargaining unit, clarified leave and training reimbursement language, and a projected fiscal impact of approximately $329,000 for 2026, with about half the cost expected to come from the general fund.

Council members and employees in the audience expressed support for recognizing the work of these employees; an evidence technician from the Pasco Police Department spoke in favor of the police‑support staff agreement. Both items were presented for information and will be scheduled for formal action at a future meeting.