South Whitehall Reaches Contract with Police Association

commissioners approved a four-year contract with the township police association Wednesday night that includes a 2 percent pay raise next year and graduated pay increases in subsequent years.

As the commissioners gave unanimous approval at their meeting Wednesday night, Commissioner Howard Ellsworth noted that it was the first time in recent history that the contract did not have to go to arbitration. The agreement had been negotiated by township Manager Jon Hammer and police representatives.

The contract calls for the following pay raises for the 35 officers covered by the contract:

* 2 percent in 2012

* 2.25 percent in 2013

* 2.5 percent in 2014

* 3 percent in 2015

Hammer said the officers will pay $50 a month toward their health coverage, up from the current $36 a month.

The number of holidays -- 10 -- remained unchanged from previous contracts. The officers also receive 12 vacation days for one year of service, 15 for five years, 20 days for 10 years and 24 days for 15 years of service. They also receive four personal days.

The police association members have already ratified the contract, Hammer said.