St. Joseph police officers, 911 dispatchers in line for salary increases

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Labor unions for St. Joseph police officers and 911 dispatchers have agreed to terms on new working contracts to boost salaries between 3% and 6%, measures that now head to City Council for formal approval.

Monday's City Council meeting featured two amended contract agreements for first reading with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #3, as well as the Emergency Communication Operators, Lodge #1, which represents the City’s communication operator classifications and 911 dispatchers.

The agreement with FOP will see the city appropriate $450,000 in Police Sales Tax funds to implement a 6% salary increase for the St. Joseph Police Department retroactive to June 30, 2025. The agreement also includes a 4% salary increase for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28, with a minimum adjustment of 2.5%.

The FOP Lodge #3 represents commissioned police officers, detectives, and sergeants for the purpose of collective bargaining.

A second agreement with the Emergency Communication Operators, Lodge #1, would raise salaries by 3% for fiscal years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28.

"I wanted to thank both the FOP and the Emergency Communications Lodge #1, it really was a good process through labor management and I really appreciate them working with the city," City Manager Mike Schumacher said Monday.

Other changes in the police contract include revisions to overtime requirements and allowing the Chief of Police to designate overtime as mandatory for large-scale events when operationally necessary. 

The contract with dispatch includes updates to overtime procedures, revisions to the shift selection process and the removal of the discipline and point-based system.

The agreement also includes an Out of-Title pay adjustment for Lead Operators to align compensation practices with those applied to other City employee groups when performing higher-level duties.

Final approval of both contract agreements will take place at the next City Council meeting on Dec. 8.