City Council approves new police contract with salary and holiday increases

The Oconomowoc Common Council convened on December 17, 2024, to address several key issues impacting the community, including a new police contract and the approval of the Lake Country Municipal Court budget.

One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the approval of a three-year contract with the Professional Police Officer Association. Chief Pfister presented the contract, which includes a 4% salary increase for 2024, followed by two years of 5% raises. Additionally, the contract modifies the probationary period for new hires from 12 to 18 months and adjusts the compensation time policy, requiring officers to use or be paid out for their accrued comp time. The council also agreed to increase the number of holidays for officers from 10 to 11, aligning with average practices in similar municipalities. This contract is expected to have a manageable financial impact on the city’s budget, with the 2024 and 2025 increases already accounted for.

In another important discussion, the council reviewed the budget for the Lake Country Municipal Court. The 2024 budget is projected to end with a surplus of nearly $8,000, while the 2025 budget anticipates revenues of $463,006 against expenditures of $460,326, resulting in a small surplus of $2,680. The council unanimously approved the resolution for the court budget, reflecting a positive financial outlook for the municipal court operations.

The meeting also touched on a proposed lease agreement for a parking lot on city property, although details on this item were not fully discussed during the session.

Overall, the council's decisions during this meeting reflect a commitment to maintaining public safety through fair compensation for police officers while also ensuring fiscal responsibility in municipal budgeting. As Oconomowoc continues to grow, these actions are crucial in addressing community needs and enhancing local governance.