An agreement was reached between the City of Gallup and Gallup Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order Of Police, and McKinley County Lodge #7 to give a 4 percent wage increase to members of the bargaining unit.

This also includes an 80-20 employer-employee health insurance cost share on medical insurance, which has been factored into the 2018-19 budget.

The bargaining unit is comprised of full-time, non-probationary Certified Police Officers, Patrolman First Class and Sergeants.

The GPOA union ratified the agreement, which was presented to the City of Gallup Council for approval on June 21. The raise would go into effect on July 16 with payouts starting on August 3.

The budget impact on the wage increase was listed at $82,138, with the health insurance increase and employer share being listed at $97,311. Figures given during the meeting by Klo Abeita, human resources director, had the tag of wages along at $108,710, and an impact of $205,908.

These figures are intended to cover 67 police officer positions.

“At present, we are at 59 [officers] on payroll. We are looking to hire 4 FTEs,” Abeita said during the meeting.

Since the department did not reach the full 67 staffing by the meeting date, the matter will be addressed again when it does, Mayor Jackie McKinney said.

The motion was approved with a 5-0-0 vote.

By Cody Begaye

Sun Correspondent