Board hears FY27 fiscal impact of tentative police and firefighter agreements totaling about $10.6M

Arlington County staff presented the fiscal-impact analysis Nov. 15 for tentative agreements with police and firefighter unions, reporting a combined FY27 cost of roughly $10.6 million and average wage increases in the double digits for the units involved.

The presentation said the police agreement would produce an average salary increase of about 11.4% (and a larger increase to the starting salary, up to $90,000), while the firefighters’ agreement averaged about a 10.7% increase. County staff said the combined cost equates to roughly 1.22¢ on the tax rate if the cost were not shared with Arlington Public Schools, and that each agreement would amount to approximately nine‑tenths of 1% of general-fund spending if not otherwise offset.

Brian Lynch, representing IAFF Local 2800, told the board the agreement narrows regional pay gaps and will help recruitment and retention; the union had ratified the tentative deal. County staff noted the agreements are intended to address recruitment, retention and overtime pressures and that final funding action will be before the board in December.

The board closed the public hearing on the bargaining items and unanimously carried further deliberation and any funding decisions to the December meeting so members could review fiscal options and provide guidance to the manager’s office.

Next steps: The board will receive a formal funding request and take final action on the agreements at its December meeting; staff presented options including use of reserves, program reductions, and potential tax-rate changes.