Red Bank police get raise under new contract

Aug. 15--RED BANK -- Borough officials and the police union have approved a new four-year contract giving officers 2 percent across-the-board increases to their base salaries.

But officers will be paying more toward their health benefit premiums.

Borough Council members unanimously approved the pact Wednesday night. The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2017 and will cover the 39 officers represented by PBA Local 39. Police Chief Darren McConnell is covered under a separate contract.

Under the new contract, a starting patrolman would earn $51,445 this year, $52,474 in 2015, $$53,523 in 2016 and $54,593 in 2017. A police captain would earn $118,973 this year; $121,352 in 2015; $123,779 in 2016 and $126,255 in the final year.

Officers hired after Aug. 1 would be covered by a different salary guide that provides for a lower salary for starting patrolmen and those on the lower three steps on the salary guide.

This contract replaced an agreement approved in 2011 that also provided for a 2 percent annual raise between 2011 and 2013, which is consistent with guidelines set by the state and governor.

Under that contract, a starting patrolman would earn $48,477 in 2011, $49,447 in 2012 and $50,436 in 2013. A police captain would earn $112,111 in 2011, $114,353 in 2012 and $116,640 in 2013.

Police officers also would pay more toward their health insurance -- 25 percent of their premium, up to the $5,000 maximum allowable by state statute, under the agreement.

Council President Arthur Murphy III, who also serves as police commissioner, thanked the PBA because negotiations took "longer than usual."

"It's a recognition that we have a great police department," Murphy said of the contract.

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