3% step increases approved, as well
On Nov. 3, the Sarasota city commissioners unanimously approved a 2.5% cost-of-living increase for Sarasota Police Department officers, sergeants, lieutenants and crime-scene investigators for the 2026 fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1.
All eligible members of the agency also will get 3% step increases, as noted in Agenda Request Forms for the board members’ regular meeting on Nov. 3. The action came as a result of the commissioners’ approval of their Consent Agenda No. 1 of routine business matters.
The adjustments were part of the one-year collective bargaining agreements between the City of Sarasota and the International Union of Police Association (IUPA), AFL-CIO, Local Nos. 6043 and 6045, the forms explained. Technically, the commissioners this week approved execution of that agreement.
Further, the forms noted, the city and the IUPA agreed to a rise in medical premiums, “with the largest cost impact affecting dependent-level plan coverages,” they said.
However, the forms continued, both parties also approved “an additional benefit of a $500 lifestyle flexible spending stipend, outlined in a memorandum of understanding. This benefit will be provided to all bargaining unit members and will mirror the benefits offered to non-represented employees for this calendar year and for 2026.”
Yet another facet of the agreements calls for any police officer, sergeant, lieutenant or crime scene investigator who lives within the city limits to receive incentive pay of $50 per week.
One of the Agenda Request Forms notes that the Police Department has a total of about 178 officers, sergeants and crime scene investigators. The other says that nine of the agency’s employees are lieutenants.
Further, a section of the agreement that covers the officers explains that any of them “may enter the promotional exam process” three years from the date that each received state certification of his or her position with the Sarasota Police Department. Sergeants are allowed to enter the promotional exam process after two years of classification as sergeants, the document adds.
The agreements also point out that the city manager is the collective bargaining representative for the city. Dave Bullock, the former manager of the Town of Longboat Key, has been serving as interim manager since late May.