Storm Lake locks in police labor costs through 2029 contract extension

Storm Lake locked in its police labor costs for the next three years on Monday, setting wages through June 30, 2029 and adding $61,600 in property-tax revenue to the next budget year. The extension with General Drivers and Helpers Union Local No. 554 keeps the city and its officers bound from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with only limited wage talks allowed in July 2027 and July 2028.

Under the agreement, officers will receive a 3 percent across-the-board raise plus earned step increases tied to qualifications, followed by another 1 percent across-the-board increase on Jan. 1, 2027. City Manager Keri Navratil told council members the signed agreement was not ready before the June 15 meeting because the union’s representative in Omaha could not provide it in time, and the only changes were the provisions covered by the extension.

The department provides 24-hour law enforcement service in Storm Lake and currently lists 20 sworn officers, one civilian staff member, two volunteer chaplains and a volunteer physician. The department’s structure includes a chief, assistant chief, four lieutenants, 12 patrol officers and two detectives, and patrol-officer pay runs from $55,189 to $69,604, plus incentive pay for dual language, education and other qualifications.

The city approved successive police pay increases in 2024 and 2025, and officers were set for a 10 percent wage increase over two years to remain competitive with other agencies. In 2023, the city also approved an updated memorandum of understanding with Teamsters Local 554 for police officers.

City leaders identified police recruitment and retention as a top priority for 2025, and last fall the city shifted its community service officer role from the police department to City Hall. That move was expected to save about $16,000 in employee-benefits levy dollars and help fund a $1-an-hour raise for two detectives and 11 patrol officers.