CONTRACT \Police union

Here are some of the key provisions in a state conciliator’s binding report that finally ended a lengthy impasse between Youngstown and its police patrol officers union.

Salaries: An increase of 3 percent in the first year, retroactive to Dec. 1, 2006; a 4.5-percent increase in the contract’s second year, retroactive to Dec. 1, 2007; a 3-percent raise effective Dec. 1, 2008. Combined, the overall raise is 10.86 percent. Before the raises, the annual base salary of a patrol officer with four or more years of experience, a majority of the union members, was $49,054.

Health insurance: Officers are to contribute 10 percent of the total monthly health-care premium, retroactive to June 1, 2007, with monthly caps of $35 for single coverage and $75 for family coverage. Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2008, the caps increase to $65 and $115, respectively. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, the caps go to $80 and $150, respectively. The monthly premiums are $357 for single coverage and $903 for family coverage. The patrol officers were previously paying 7 percent of the total premium costs with lower caps.

Part-time hires: Once there are 120 bargaining unit members — there are currently 118 — the city can hire five part-time auxiliary officers. For each additional five bargaining members, the city can hire five additional part-time auxiliary officers. The union had objected to this.

Uniform allowance: Increased from $978 a year to $1,048.41 annually.

Parking: The city shall provide free, secure and sufficient parking to union members in locations designated by the city. The city took away most of the union’s parking spots in a lot adjacent to city hall in April 2007. Instead, the city provides parking near the city hall annex, about two blocks from the police station.

Physical fitness test: The two sides will discuss the terms and conditions of a physical abilities testing program, but aren’t required to come to an agreement. The city wanted to implement a test over time. The union had objected to the proposal as a condition of employment and also complained such a test would be unfair to longtime employees.

Sources: Conciliator’s report, previous fact-finding report