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The new agreement calls for a 1.7 percent raise for the first year and 1.8 percent raises for the next four years, said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann.
That's a .75 percent lower than any other recently negotiated PBA contract in the county, which average 2.5 percent raises annually.
"Consistent with my administration's pledge to control cost within the Police Department, this new agreement is a win-win for town taxpayers and our hard-working police force," Hoehmann said.
The proposed agreement also reduces the amount of compensatory time officers are entitled to accumulate. Currently, officers are allowed to accumulate up to 480 hours of time off. Under the new agreement, that amount will be cut in half to 240 hours per officer.
Hoehmann said the agreement greatly reduces the town’s significant $5 million liability in this area and will help them better manage overtime expenditures.
The starting salary for police officers, one of the highest in Rockland County, will be reduced to $60,000 from the current $78,764.
"We thank the members of the Clarkstown PBA for working with the town to negotiate a fair contract for all parties," Hoehmann said.
The PBA's incoming president and current vice president, Pete Walker, said the agreement was "a fair and equitable agreement that provides a below-market salary increase and concessions that will enable the town to better control spending."
He also thanked Hoehmann and the Town Board for establishing a good faith process that resulted in a fair contract.
"Together we will continue to work hard to provide a safe and secure community," said Walker.
The town's police force includes 156 police officers and 23 civilian employees.
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