Tentative Police Contract Includes $102 Million Investment in Officer Pay and Benefits
San Antonio police officers are one step closer to receiving significant pay increases after the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Officers Association announced a tentative agreement on a new three-year labor contract Friday.
Proposed Contract Includes 16.5% Base Pay Increase
Under the proposed agreement, officers would receive a cumulative 16.5% increase in base pay over the life of the contract. The agreement is expected to cost the City approximately $102.2 million over three years.
City officials said negotiations began on Jan. 30 and included 10 bargaining sessions before both sides reached the tentative agreement.
City Says Agreement Balances Compensation and Fiscal Responsibility
City Manager Erik Walsh said the proposed contract rewards police officers while maintaining the City’s ability to provide essential services.
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“This agreement delivers meaningful pay increases and strong health benefits for our police officers while balancing the City’s long-term fiscal health and our ability to fund the mandated services residents depend on,” Walsh said.
He added that the City aimed to keep San Antonio among the top three Texas cities for total police compensation and said reaching an agreement before the proposed FY 2027 budget provides greater financial certainty during the upcoming budget process.
Study Found SAPD Compensation Already Competitive
Before negotiations began, an independent study comparing Texas’ largest cities found that San Antonio police officers already ranked among the state’s top three departments in total compensation when salary, healthcare, pension and retiree benefits were considered.
City officials said the new agreement builds on that standing while helping recruit and retain officers.
Patrol Schedule Changes Included
In addition to higher wages, the tentative contract includes changes to patrol schedules designed to better align staffing with periods of highest call volume.
According to the City, the revised scheduling model will increase officer availability for proactive policing while offering additional scheduling flexibility intended to improve work-life balance, job satisfaction and retention.
Officials said the changes are expected to help the department operate more efficiently while improving service to residents.
Next Steps Before Contract Takes Effect
The agreement is not yet final.
Members of the San Antonio Police Officers Association must first vote to ratify the contract. If approved by union membership, the agreement will then be presented to the San Antonio City Council for final consideration.
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