Medina's Police Unions Secure Pay Raise Deal

Medina, Ohio, is making strides in employee compensation. The city's finance committee gave the thumbs up to a tentative deal with patrol and communications officers. This agreement covers a three-year contract, aiming to boost pay for these essential workers. The proposed deal includes a 4% pay hike in 2026, another 4% in 2027, and a 3% increase in 2028. Mayor Dennis Hanwell shared that this agreement was presented to the council in a private session. The council now has 30 days to vote on it, with a special meeting scheduled for January 6 to discuss it further.Council President John Coyne emphasized the importance of fair pay across all city employees. He noted that the city plans for 2% raises annually. However, the proposed agreement exceeds this, adding an extra $1. 8 million to the budget. This extra amount is crucial as expenses tend to outpace revenue. Coyne highlighted the city's growing income tax revenue, which has reached $21 million. This is a significant jump from the $4 million he saw when he first started on the council. The mayor clarified that the $1. 8 million is for all city employee pay increases, not just the police unions. Meanwhile, the Sergeants' union is heading to fact-finding. This process will help determine a fair agreement for them. The city's approach shows a commitment to balancing fair pay with financial planning.