In a recent government meeting, significant advancements were reported regarding compensation agreements for police and fire personnel in Palm Beach County. The proposed agreements aim to enhance market competitiveness and address recruitment and retention challenges.

For police officers, a tentative collective bargaining agreement (CBA) includes a 17% market adjustment effective October 1, coinciding with the start of the fiscal year, alongside a standard 5% annual step increase. This results in a total compensation increase of 22% for fiscal year 2025. Additionally, the agreement introduces a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, translating to an overall 8% increase in compensation during those years. If ratified, these changes would elevate starting salaries from $63,000 to $73,710, positioning the department second in the local market, a significant improvement from its previous 15th place standing.

Firefighters are also set to benefit from a new agreement, which includes a 10.5% market adjustment and a 5% annual step increase, leading to a total compensation increase of 15.5% for fiscal year 2025. Similar to the police agreement, a 3% COLA is included for the subsequent two fiscal years, resulting in an 8% increase over that period. This agreement would raise starting pay for firefighters from $57,012 to $62,998, moving the department from 10th to 5th place in the local market.

The negotiations, which began in February for firefighters and concluded in August, reflect a strategic effort to improve compensation structures in response to market dynamics. Historically, COLAs had been removed from public safety agreements during economic downturns, but this new CBA marks a reinstatement of such adjustments, aimed at stabilizing market placement and enhancing employee satisfaction.

Next steps involve the ratification process for the fire department, which differs from the police union's process, as it is conducted via mail. The city anticipates bringing both agreements to the board for ratification consideration at the upcoming September 16 meeting.

City officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of these agreements in addressing the financial challenges faced by public safety personnel and ensuring the city remains competitive in attracting and retaining talent.