Pay increases could be coming to CPD if council members approve a new bargaining agreement

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia City Council members will decide if they will authorize a first amendment to the collective bargaining agreement with the Columbia Police Officer Association that would authorize pay increases to officers and sergeants.

Council members will review the agreement at its Monday night meeting at City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

If approved the agreement would authorize a brand new pay schedule for police officers and sergeants.

According to the council's agenda, Columbia representatives and CPOA reached an agreement to contract amendments concerning pay compression, FY 2025 pay adjustments and establishing a lateral transfer policy. The contract amendment has been voted on and approved by the CPOA and now requires City Council approval. If approved the new pay scale would take effect after the first pay period following council approval, which would be on April 14.

Entry-level pay for police officers will increase from $27.50/hr to $28.85/hr if approved. Entery-level pay for sergeants will go up to $38.84/hr. The plan also provides a 2% pay increase for every year that the person works at their position.

Officers would reach their max pay of $36.99/hr after 13 years, and sergeants would reach their max pay of $46.60/hr after 9 years.

The current agreement is set to expire Sept. 30, 2028. If passed, the parties agree that the pay scale will be in effect for the duration of the agreement.

Any members who are currently above the top pay will remain at their pay rate. Upon reaching the top step - members will not receive an increase to their pay rate that exceeds the step to where the member is assigned.

No current members will have their current pay rate reduced according to the agreement.

The amendment also addresses lateral transfers where a sworn police officer or one with
military service that includes law enforcement operations leaves one police agency to work
for the City of Columbia Police Department. To be eligible applicants must:
- Meet all pre-employment minimum requirements; and
- Complete all testing and screening components of the process; and
- Hold a valid Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Class A Certification
or be able to obtain one by transferring military or out-of-state law enforcement
credentials before hire.