Council sends police officers' contract back to closed session after tie vote on approval

The Chico City Council on July 14 debated a memorandum of understanding with the Chico Police Officers Association that would set multi-year pay increases for public-safety staff.

Vice Mayor Bennett and Council Member O'Brien urged approval, saying competitive pay is needed to retain officers and maintain fast response times. "Response time relates to staffing," Vice Mayor Bennett said, describing law-enforcement performance during a recent library shooting as an example of the stakes.

Council Members Winslow and Holly opposed immediate approval, warning the increases could strain infrastructure and long-term budgets. "If the city does not have a long term cost recovery plan to support these drastic increases, then that money is going to have to come from somewhere else," Council Member Holly said, noting the staff'estimated fiscal impact of $5,820,000 over four years.

A substitute motion to approve the MOU as presented failed on a 3-3 tie with one absence. The council then voted 4-2 (one absence) to send the matter back to closed session for further discussion with legal counsel and staff.

The council did not adopt any terms at the meeting; the referral means negotiations and legal review will continue in closed session before further public action.