Village And Police Settle On Contract

Northport village and the police department recently reached an agreement on a police contract that extends from March 1, 2009 through February 28, 2022.

The Northport Police Benevolent Association (“PBA”) and the village reopened negotiations following the settlement of the Suffolk County Police Department contract and subsequently amended certain terms.

Mayor George Doll and the board of trustees say the agreement will result in significant tax savings for residents while providing modest enhanced benefits to the officers of the Northport Police Department.

The general provisions of the amended agreement are as follows:

• The PBA has agreed to increase the number of steps to reach top pay from 6 to 12 for new hires, resulting in an estimated cost savings to the Village of approximately $250,000 per each officer hired hereafter (similar to the agreement reached between Suffolk County and the Suffolk County PBA)

• The PBA has agreed that new hires shall pay 15 percent of the cost of health insurance, which will save the Village approximately $3,000 per officer annually at current costs

• The Village has agreed to enhance benefits to officers for dental, optical, uniform
allowance, health insurance for families of deceased officers, an increase in personal time allowance after 6 years of employment; and leave time for PBA officers engaged in PBA

• The Village and PBA agreed to establish a 401-a plan at no cost to the Village which would allow officers to defer severance pay.

Doll and the village trustees expressed their appreciation for the members of the Northport PBA for taking into consideration the financial needs of the Village and the taxpayers by making concessions in this agreement as outlined above.

“This amendment to the PBA collective bargaining agreement is a big step to insuring the fiscal integrity of the Village and its ability to stay under the tax cap in future years," said Doll. "I am grateful to the officers for their willingness to negotiate in good faith. While the Village stands to reap significant tax savings, the officers will also receive increases in benefits. It is a good deal for both sides.”