Raises in new contracts for Lake Zurich cops, other police employees

Lake Zurich police officers and other department employees will receive raises under separate multiyear agreements.

Under a three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Patrol Officers union retroactive to July, the cops will receive annual cost-of-living raises of 2.25 percent. As part of the deal, discipline will be handled through a grievance arbitration process instead of the Lake Zurich police and fire commission.

Lake Zurich Police Chief Steven Husak said more towns are moving away from having appointed police and fire commission in charge of employee discipline.

"The thought is that grievance arbitrators are fair, impartial professionals who are experienced in determining whether an employee has violated clear rules of conduct and, if so, whether the punishment issued is appropriate," Husak said.

In a separate four-year agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Dispatchers and Community Service Officers, those employees will receive annual cost-of-living pay hikes of 1.5 percent, followed by three consecutive 2 percent raises. The contract is retroactive to May.

Members of both unions approved the contracts before the Lake Zurich village board gave a thumbs-up at a recent meeting.

Village Manager Jason Slowinski said negotiations with the unions were amicable. He said the village appreciates the excellent service provided by the police officers, dispatchers and community service officers.

"We believe we were able to lock in a good contract for the next few years that is fair to our hardworking employees but is also mindful of the fiduciary duty we have to our residents and taxpayers," Slowinski said.

With the new salary schedule running until July 1, a Lake Zurich police officer will be paid a base of $60,266 on the low end and $86,223 at the top. The high and low will be $61,622 and $89,183, respectively, for 2015-16.

Pay for dispatchers is now $23.15 to $31.08 per hour, with the community service officers at $19.51 to $27.33.

Meanwhile, Lake Zurich police were in a positive spotlight before the village officials approved the new contracts.

Sgt. Martin Yundt was recognized for his 35 years on the force. In his professional capacity in Lake Zurich, Yundt has served as patrol officer, firearms instructor and motorcycle cop, while his community volunteer resume includes coordinating Special Olympics games in the village.

Mayor Thomas Poynton kidded Yundt about his longevity.

"Five of our current officers weren't even born when Marty started in 1979," Poynton said.

Officer Scott Warren was lauded for his retirement after 28 years of service.