Politics & Government

Village, Police Union Reach Three-Year Agreement

Mount Pleasant police officers will pay more into their retirement, but those payments are offset by a 4 percent raise over two years.

police officers will see their salaries increase slightly over the next several years, now that the union and village have agreed on a new three-year contract.

Trustees met in closed session Monday before the regular board meeting to finish discussions, then reconvened into open session to approve the contract, which was negotiated in a day and a half.

The union ratified the contract early last week and the Village Board voted 6 to 0 to approve the contract. Board member Jerry Garski was absent from the meeting.

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"We appreciate the professionalism the police union brought to the table and their ability to help reach a cooperative agreement with the Village, which was amicable to both parties," Veronica Rudychev, the village clerk.

With the assistance of labor attorney Jim Korom, Planning Director Ron Meyer and Rudychev met with police union representatives last week over the course of two days.

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"I can tell you this agreement is a good contract for both parties involved and it's fair," Korom said.

Village Board member John Hewitt said he was pleased with the contract agreement.

"I think it all has to do with whether both sides feel they are getting a fair deal and we both felt this was a fair deal," Hewitt said.

Mount Pleasant Police Chief Tim Zarzecki said that hiring Korom to help with the negotiations helped the Village.

Included in the new contract are:

  • 1 percent raises each in January and July of 2013, 2014 and 2015;
  • 4 percent retirement contribution in 2013;
  • Match non-represented employees' retirement contribution in 2014, which is anticipated to be more than 6 percent.

Act 32 prevents negotiation over health insurance so officers will have the same plan choices as other village employees. Trustees at the board meeting also approved a resolution to withdraw from the state health insurance system, clearing the way for the village to shop around for plans.


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