Carpentersville, police union agree on pay raises

Carpentersville police officers have reached an agreement with the village for a new contract that will extend through 2019.

Negotiations between the village and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter No. 378, the union representing 47 patrol officers, started in November and were "equitable and fair," Police Chief Michael Kilbourne said. Both parties ratified the agreement weeks before the current contract expires April 30.

The deal includes a 1.75 percent salary increase for the first eight months of the contract, which begins May 1, and a 2.25 percent increase in 2017, according to village documents.

Citing uncertainties about future revenue sources, particularly state funding, Village Manager Mark Rooney said officers' wages for 2018 and 2019 have not yet been set. The two parties will reconvene on that issue when the village's financial state is more clear, he said.

"I just want to give credit to the police union for being very cooperative and understanding in that process," he said.

Union President John Galason said he's confident both parties will effectively work through the second round of salary negotiations.

"I think at this time ... of economic (uncertainty), it's a very good contract for us," he said.

Additional terms, which will extend through the length of the contract, include a retirement pay increase from $1,000 to $1,500, a longevity pay increase from $40 to $50 per year up to 20 years of service, and prorated personal days depending on an officer's hiring date, according to village documents. Officers' spouses are also now included in the outcome-based incentive wellness insurance program.