SAN ANTONIO \u2013 A tentative deal has been reached between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Officers Association, according to a city news release. <\/p>\n
The city and the police union most recently met to negotiate a contract Thursday. <\/p>\n
In the release, City Manager Erik Walsh lauded the \u201cmeaningful pay increases\u201d and \u201cstrong health benefits\u201d for officers in the agreement that also keeps the \u201cCity\u2019s long-term fiscal health\u201d and its ability to fund \u201cmandated services\u201d in mind. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal was to keep San Antonio among the top three Texas cities in total police compensation, and this agreement accomplishes that. Reaching an agreement before the FY 2027 budget is proposed also gives us a clear understanding of the costs as we prepare for next year,\u201d Walsh said in the release. \u201cI deeply value the work our police officers do every day to keep San Antonio safe, and I appreciate Deputy City Manager Mar\u00eda Villag\u00f3mez and the entire City negotiating team for their hard work throughout this process.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tentative agreement would cost the city approximately $102.2 million over the three years of the contract, according to the city. <\/p>\n
In a statement to KSAT, SAPOA President Johnny Perez believes the tentative agreement represents a \u201cfair compromise for both sides.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery conversation at that negotiation table was rooted in one goal: to ensure our officers receive the fair pay and benefits they\u2019ve earned for selflessly protecting our city,\u201d Perez said. <\/p>\n
If SAPOA members approve the contract, San Antonio city council members would then need its own stamp of approval in order for it to become official. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t the finish line, it\u2019s just the beginning,\u201d Perez said. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to presenting this to our members to formally ratify the agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s in the tentative deal<\/p>\n
A rookie San Antonio police officer is making $65,436 under the current deal. <\/p>\n
According to the terms of the tentative agreement, which could go into effect Oct. 1, 2026, a new officer would have a starting salary of $68,053. If SAPD hires a rookie officer on April 1, 2029, per terms of the tentative deal, that officer would have a starting salary of $76,959. <\/p>\n
A San Antonio police captain, who is making $139,152 under the Step C designation of the current deal, would see their salary jump to $144,693 if the new deal is approved before Oct. 1. <\/p>\n
The proposed pay of that same San Antonio police captain would rise to $163,629 on April 1, 2029. <\/p>\n
A SAPOA spokesperson said the union is now tasked with educating its 2,600 members on the contract and answer any questions officers may have. <\/p>\n
That process could take anywhere between two and three weeks before union members vote on the deal, the spokesperson said. <\/p>\n
Background<\/p>\n
The city and union began negotiating a new contract in late January and had settled a number of other matters in the contract before Friday\u2019s announcement, such as hours of work.<\/p>\n
Pay had also been a sticking point in the most recent negotiations. Back in April, the union paused the talks because of a previous city offer the union\u2019s former president described as a \u201cslap in the face.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n