Lexington’s city council has taken the first step toward approving a collective bargaining agreement with city police officers. The first formal reading is set for Thursday night.
The new four-year collective bargaining agreement, which affects hundreds of police officers, is retroactive to July.
The Council this summer banned no-knock warrants. The Fayette County Fraternal Order of Police sued the city, claiming that should be a part of collective bargaining talks. Council Member David Kloiber asked Dave Barberie of the law department if that matter should be decided in court before final action on the agreement. “Knowing that we’re risk adverse and we don’t want to be in a situation that could adversely affect us, is that a consideration that we should be looking at here today as to whether or not we go forward with a new contract, given that there is that potential?" asked Kloiber.
“I think the recommendation of the administration is that you go forward with this contact regardless of that lawsuit,” responded Barberie.
FOP President Jeremy Russell concurred. He said it’s important to act on the agreement now and not wait for the no-knock issue to be resolved in court.
Russell said the higher pay for starting officers should help address a shortage exceeding 100. “Once it’s approved, we can get it out to the public and to our recruiters and emphasize, here is our increase in pay, here is the rest of our benefits. Here’s why you need to come to Lexington. But, ultimately until everything is finally approved, we can’t do that,” explained Russell.
The agreement calls for two citizens on the disciplinary review board and removes the five-year look-back limit regarding prior police disciplinary records. Barberie told Council the agreement allows for increased transparency and makes it easier for the public to research disciplinary matters. Final approval is expected in early November.
