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 approval.
Monday's City Council agenda includes two amended 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.
If approved, the City will 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.
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.
