Keokuk, IA – Keokuk's police officers are seeking a significant pay increase in their next contract with the city.
The initial offer from the department's bargaining unit calls for an 8% pay hike during each year of the proposed 3-year contract. The officers also want an increase in the amount of comp time they can accumulate and reimbursements or compensation for continuing their education.
In addition, the proposal calls for changes in sick leave accumulation, holiday pay, and personal leave based on the new 12-hour shift policy, which has been in effect since August.
Finance Sub-Committee Chairman Doug Matlick says the city hopes to present its counter proposal as early as next week. He says the goal is to secure a three year deal.
The city and the police bargaining unit agreed to a one year contract, earlier this year, to avoid arbitration. It included a series of pay hikes ranging from 2%-6%.