Title
A resolution approving a First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Mesquite and Mesquite Police Association under Subchapter B of Chapter 142 of the Texas Local Government Code effective as of December 4, 2023, and remaining in effect through September 30, 2026; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment and take all actions necessary or requested to carry out the terms and provisions of the amendment.
Body
The existing meet and confer agreement between the City and the Mesquite Police Association (MPA) continues through September 20, 2026. The City and the MPA meet and confer negotiating teams held several meetings negotiating and deliberating adjustments to the existing agreement. The First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding will be effective as of December 4, and remain in effect through September 30, 2026. The Mesquite Police Association concluded a vote on November 17, 2023 and the amendment was approved and ratified by a majority of the police officers who would be covered by the proposed new agreement. The terms of the amendment outline two new changes and clarify changes made in the agreement made in 2022.
The provisions of this amendment include:
Special Assignment Compensatory Time: The amendment clarifies that the Canine Officers are not included in this category and are compensated in a manner consistent with the service they provide and receive additional compensatory time when called out after hours similar to officers in the Criminal Investigations Division.
Maximum Age for Entrance: This section is deleted in its entirety due to changes by the Texas State Legislature.
Lateral Entry Eligibility: The amendment clarifies eligibility to be a lateral recruit be 21 years old at the time of application.
Hours of Work: The amendment removes language specifying hours of work by officers. Work hours are designated by the Chief and more flexibility is needed due to special assignments.
Overtime Compensation for Working Holidays: The amendment adds a provision by which the Police Chief can designate a day for holiday pay in addition to the current holiday schedule that is generally difficult to fill for overtime work. The additional designation will be made each year on an as needed basis.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
Attachment(s)
Resolution and First Amendment
Resolution No. 34-2022 and Memorandum of Understanding
Drafter
Cliff Keheley
Head of Department
Cliff Keheley