Racine reaches tentative agreement with Racine Police Association

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The city of Racine has reached a tentative agreement with the Racine Police Association, providing a raise and benefits package for police officers. The agreement was announced on Friday, March 10.

The agreement includes a 15% raise over four years, a $2,000 retention bonus, an additional paid holiday, 320 hours of paid parental leave and additional bonuses for Racine residents such as student loan repayment assistance and mortgage down payment assistance.

In addition, the Common Council has passed a $5,000 recruitment bonus to attract and retain public safety workers.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason expressed his excitement about the agreement, stating, "This contract recognizes the important and difficult work of our police officers and compensates them appropriately. I am eager to bring this agreement before the Common Council and urge their support."

Alderwoman Natalia Taft, Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee, emphasized the importance of the contract in retaining and recruiting public safety officers, saying, "This agreement represents a significant step forward in both retention and recruitment of public safety officers and staff who share our commitment to making sure Racine is a safe, secure, and healthy community."

The proposed contract will be voted on by the Racine Common Council Finance and Personnel Committee on Monday, March 13, with the Mayor and Chair of the Committee presenting the proposal to the Common Council for approval on Tuesday, March 21.

An earlier version of this story included tentative draft text including a placeholder quote that inadvertently made it online.  We apologize for any confusion it may have caused.