Summary
To: Town Commission
From: Gay Lancaster, Town Manager
Date: 3/17/2026
______________________________________________________________________
Subject:
Title
Resolution 2026-03 Agreement with Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, Inc. effective through September 30, 2028.
Summary:
Once every three years the Town negotiates a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Belleair Police Department.
January 4, 2026, Public Employees Relations Committee (PERC) presented VERFICATION OF ELECTION RESULTS, CERTIFICATION OF EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVE AND REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION. This action transferred representation from Pinellas Lodge No. 43, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) to Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA)
The following items were discussed during negotiations and highlight the primary updates to the prior agreement:
• General Wage Increase: During fiscal year one of this agreement, all Officers and Sergeants will receive a 10% increase to their base rate of pay, effective retroactively to October 1, 2025.
• Increase in pay ranges: The agreement increases the established pay ranges for both Police Officers and Sergeants, raising the minimum and maximum rates based on Pay Plan re-classification.
• Merit Wage Increase: The annual merit increase has been raised from 3.0% to 3.5%, effective retroactively to October 1, 2025. For members who have already received a merit increase between October 1, 2025, and ratification of this agreement, they will be eligible for an additional 0.50% increase.
• Cost of Living Adjustment: The agreement eliminates the prior ceiling on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) while preserving the 1.5% minimum annual COLA guarantee; however, if the Town provides general employees with a higher percentage, all bargaining unit members will now receive that same increase. This change is significant because it ensures bargaining unit members will not fall behind other Town employees in years where higher COLAs are provided.
• FTO Pay: Field Training Officer compensation has been increased from $1.00 per hour to $2.00 per hour. This adjustment more accurately reflects the additional responsibility and workload associated with training new personnel.
• Training Related Travel: The agreement establishes door-to-door pay for out-of-county travel related to agency-required training. Members will now be compensated for the full time commitment required when traveling outside the local area.
• Take Home Vehicles: Take home vehicle provisions have now been formally incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement, memorializing existing practice. The Chief retains authority to suspend take home car privileges for good cause.
• Equipment Reimbursement: Reimbursement for the purchase of sunglasses, in lieu of boots, has been increased from $100.00 to $200.00 annually.
Body
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2026-03 Agreement with Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, Inc. effective through September 30, 2028
Proposed Motion: I motion to approve Resolution 2026-03 Agreement with Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, Inc. effective through September 30, 2028.