Council approves three-year contract with police union, 16.5% pay increase over term

City negotiators and union leaders presented a tentative agreement that would run from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2029 and includes a cumulative 16.5% wage increase. Maria (city negotiator) summarized compensation changes and health-plan adjustments, and said the tentative deal preserves the city’s competitiveness versus other large Texas cities.

"The tentative agreement has a 16.5% wage increase over 3 years, 4% in fiscal year 27, 5% in fiscal year 28, and 7.5% in fiscal year 29," the city’s negotiator said during the briefing. Staff estimated the cost to the city at $102,300,000 over three years and said that the FY2027 proposed budget includes the first-year cost of $15,400,000.

Councilmembers thanked negotiators and union representatives; the council approved the agreement in a voice vote after discussion about discipline, healthcare cost containment and shift schedules. Staff said final financing of the agreement is incorporated in the proposed budget and that collective-bargaining sessions and ratification had included public recordings and participation.