Politics
Lubbock city council approves police, fire association agreements - KCBD
Lubbock City Council approved new one-year contracts Tuesday with the city's police and firefighter associations, committing about $7.8 million in the coming year as part of ongoing budget and tax rate talks. The deal with the Lubbock Professional Police Association passed unanimously and adds 10 officers to a force that already numbers more than 450.
The deal with the Lubbock Professional Police Association passed unanimously and adds 10 officers to a force that already numbers more than 450. Sworn personnel will also see a 5 percent raise under the agreement. A separate contract with the firefighter association was approved as part of the same council action.
Not everyone was enthusiastic. Councilman Tim Green said he would "reluctantly" go along with the police agreement, noting he had pushed for changes during a previous budget work session.
The practical effect is more officers on Lubbock streets and higher base pay for the cops and firefighters already serving the city. Whether that translates to faster response times or better coverage across neighborhoods from Arnett Benson to Maxey depends on how the department deploys those 10 new hires.
The $7.8 million figure covers both associations combined for a single year, meaning council will be back at the table negotiating again before long.
Common questions
How much is Lubbock spending on the new police and fire contracts?
- Lubbock is committing about $7.8 million over the next year through one-year contracts with both the Lubbock Professional Police Association and the firefighter association. The deals were approved Tuesday as part of ongoing city budget and tax rate discussions.
Will Lubbock hire more police officers under the new contract?
- Yes. The agreement with the Lubbock Professional Police Association adds 10 new officers to a force that already has more than 450 sworn personnel. Officers will also receive a 5 percent pay raise under the one-year deal approved by the city council.
Stay in the loop
Weekly Lubbock news, deals, and events. Free.
Read next
Lubbock County commissioners propose no-new-revenue tax rate as budget talks grow tense - KCBD
Lubbock City Council hosting public hearing, 1st vote on budget, tax rate - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Lubbock’s newest councilman proposes alternative to police meet-and-confer agreement - KCBD