WATERVILLE — The City Council is expected to vote Tuesday night on whether to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with patrol officers that officials say includes a pay scale that makes Waterville competitive in recruiting new officers.

The contract between the city and Fraternal Order of Police would be retroactive to July 1 and expire June 30, 2024.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at The Elm at 21 College Ave., following an executive session at 6:45 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations. Those wanting to take part in the regular meeting or watch via livestream may do so by using links on the city’s website — www.waterville-me.gov.

City Manager Steve Daly said Monday the city and union bargained for a three-year contract for patrol officers.

“We bargained a pay scale that is going to make us competitive on the recruiting side and make us competitive on the retention side,” Daly said. “It’s going to be a good deal for the city and for the police.”

During budget discussions this year, councilors discussed the importance of paying officers wages consistent with those of other communities.

Advertisement

“The council was very supportive of instituting a wage scale that is going to make us competitive,” Daly said.

The contract covers four detectives and more than 20 patrol officers. Daly declined to discuss specific pay raises and other details because the council had yet to vote on the pact.

In other matters Tuesday, the council is scheduled to consider rezoning nearly five acres on Webb Road from rural residential to one that allows limited commercial uses. The zoning change would pave the way for storage units to be built.

The Planning Board voted last week to recommend the rezoning.

Also, the council is slated to consider taking the first of two needed votes to accept and spend $1.74 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The state has distributed $119 million to local governments as part of the COVID-19 pandemic relief plan. Waterville is supposed to receive half its allocation this year and half next year, to cover costs through Dec. 31, 2024. All money must be spent, with all work performed and completed by Dec. 31, 2026, according to federal requirements.

Daly said the council is also expected Tuesday to discuss a proposal to improve and expand recreational offerings on North Street, at the Pine Ridge Recreation Area and at Green Street Park.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.