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The city of Redwood City and the union representing police officers have signed a contract, agreeing to increase the salaries and wages of officers by 7.5%, which includes costs of living and equity adjustments. The city also agreed to pay some union members who worked prior to the start of the contract an additional lump sum payment.
The lump sum payments, which are 7.5% of actual hours worked between Aug. 30, 2021, and Feb. 26, 2023, and include overtime and holiday pay for Juneteenth, were a way to incentivize the ratification of an agreement, according to the memorandum of understanding between the city and Redwood City Police Officers Association. The payments will not affect the calculation of overtime or regular pay rates, and they won't be considered a part of the pensionable compensation. They will also not be taxed and will be paid by a separate check.
The salary and wage increases, which go into effect immediately, were approved by unanimous vote Monday night during the Redwood City council meeting. The three-year contract ends on Aug. 25, 2024.
Union members will receive a 3% cost of living adjustment, a 1.5% equity adjustment and another 3% cost of living adjustment, according to the MOU. Per the adjustment, a police officer could make between $11,100 – $13,494 per month.
On Sept. 11, 2023, union members will receive a market adjustment salary increase of a minimum of 2.5% and a maximum of 5% based on salary comparisons of neighboring cities, such as Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Milpitas and Santa Clara.
Other incentives include lump sum payments of $5,000 into retiree health savings accounts for new hires, monthly stipends for officers who participate in a wellness program, annual vacation cash outs and bilingual pay.
The contract with the police officers will increase the general fund by $910,000 and cost an estimated $1.8 million, according to the city.
