The Austin City Council’s deliberation over a new contract with the Austin Police Department, initially scheduled for a vote this week, has been shelved until October 24 to allow more time for public input and review, according to a statement from the City of Austin. The Council will first get a briefing today on the particulars of a Tentative Agreement reached with the Austin Police Association on September 23.
Should the City Council approve the five-year contract proposition, it would then proceed to the members of the Austins Police Association for ratification, as reported by CBS Austin. The new deal includes an 8% salary raise for most officers in the first year and subsequent smaller raises over the following four years, alongside a $2,000 bonus when the contract takes effect.
However, amid the potential fiscal benefits for law enforcement, there remain voices of concern regarding the stipulations for increased police oversight and accountability, echoing the sentiments of their constituents. Chris Harris, board president of Equity Action, cautioned in an interview obtained by CBS Austin, "Approval of this deal tees up the city to continue to be in litigation. And we would hope that the council would respect the court's order, and the will of the voters, and send this back to the bargaining table in order to ensure that no deal passes that doesn't comply with the law and the will of the voters."
Public input on the matter was invited at today's City Council work session. Individuals interested in addressing the council had the chance to register online or in person at City Hall. The full Tentative Agreement is available for viewing on the City's website.
