City of Capitola and police agree to five-year labor pact

By JON CHOWN

CAPITOLA — The city of Capitola has settled contract negotiations with the Capitola Police Officers Association, agreeing to a five-year contract that keeps police officers’  pay the same this year, but increases it by 3.5 percent each year after.

The City Council hailed the new agreement during its Thursday night meeting. The council had reached the pact during closed session earlier in the evening. The new contract also allows for a 4 percent increase in health care benefits. The two-tiered retirement system for new employees, will not change.

Mayor Stephanie Harlan said the council was very happy to have a five-year contract that would bring peace and stability to the city’s budget and the families of the police officers. Councilman Dennis Norton said he felt the contract was very fair to both sides and that Capitola Asst. City Manager Lisa Murphy deserved special kudos for her skill in negotiating the contract. Councilman Sam Storey thanked the police officers for negotiating in good faith and in a professional manner.

“I think this is significant because with public safety being such a concern in this county, we in Capitola have the benefits of having a long-term labor agreement with the Police Officers Assocation and we can work hand-in-hand with them on public safety,” Storey said. “Nothing is more important to the quality of life in Capitola than the police department.”