Police Negotiate 2 Percent Pay Raise, Add First New Position in 18 Years

The town recently negotiated a three-year agreement with the local police officers union (Massachusetts Coalition of Police, AFL-CIO, Local 165B), giving a 2 percent pay increase for fiscal years 2014 through 2016.

In a memo, Town Administrator John Coderre wrote, "The new contract is designed to maintain a competitive wage schedule that allows the town to recruit and retain highly qualified police officers."

The existing contract is set to expire on June 30, and the new agreement will take effect on July 1.

For the past few years, Police Chief Mark Leahy has requested additional officers, arguing that the department is short-staffed. Leahy said the union negotiations did not involve discussion of the addition of any police staff.

One new position, however, is being created for the Northborough Police Department. A new officer starts on July 1 to replace an officer who will be retiring on disability, out since April, 2011, with a head injury he sustained in the line of duty.

"Once his retirement is effective," said Leahy, "we can add another position to replace him. The new position is our first new position in 18 years."