Palatine approves public works, police contracts

The Palatine village council Tuesday approved new union contracts for both its public works and police unions, with each calling for modest salary increases.

“I think what these illustrate is a cooperative effort to get to a solution to avoid any work shortages and continue to deliver services ... that are vital to the success of the community,” Councilman Scott Lamerand said.

The 67 police officers represented by the Fraternal Order of Police union will receive 1 percent base pay increases in both 2011 and 2012. That’s a decrease from 2010, when police received 2 percent raises in both January and again in July.

In the third and final year of the new contract, which expires Dec. 31, 2013, the still undetermined raise will depend on police pay in eight neighboring communities that arbitrators use as comparables. The village will calculate the average police wage for all eight towns, which include Arlington Heights, Schaumburg and Des Plaines, and give raises that elevate Palatine to the exact middle.

“We historically have always been right around the midpoint and we’re probably fifth or sixth right now,” Village Manager Reid Ottesen said. “I think 1 percent is definitely something that’s more manageable in our budget than where an arbitrator might come down. And, it’s in cooperation with the police officers.”

In 2011, the raises will result in a salary of $60,500 for new officers while the most veteran officers in the union will make about $84,300.

The new contract also calls for a few other changes, including a work day for an officer to attend the funeral of an extended family member, as well as four hours of personal time banked for working Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.

The local International Union of Operating Engineers chapter, which represents 41 public works employees, reached a two-year agreement expiring Dec. 31, 2012.

Like police, employees will receive 1 percent increases in base wages both years. The contract also calls for a 10 percent increase in health insurance rates each year, in addition to a one-time $100 village contribution to safety boots.

Both contracts are retroactive to Jan. 1, with employees receiving a lump sum for back pay.

Ottesen said both deals were reached without the use of attorneys, resulting in cost savings.