POUGHKEEPSIE — The City of Poughkeepsie police officers will see pay raises and contractual stability after the common council approved a new five-year contract with the Police Benevolent Association last week, ending months of negotiations following the expiration of the previous contract at the end of 2024.

The new agreement, which is retroactive to January 1, 2025, includes a 3.9 percent raise for that year and annual salary increases through 2029, each below four percent. Union leadership says the deal will aid recruitment and retention while balancing the city’s budget constraints.

Second Ward Councilman Evan Menist was absent from the vote, while Sixth Ward Alderman Christopher Grant and Eighth Ward Alderman Daniel Atonna abstained.

“I just want to say that this MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) was worked on with the city administration for over a period of time. Both parties came together,” said Council Chair Da’Ron Wilson. “Of course, we know with any agreement, there’s some that give, and there’s some taken. Of course, there was a great settlement in the middle.”

Grant said he could not support or oppose the deal after reviewing the contract and past agreements. Atonna, in a prepared statement, cited concerns that the new contract does not update the department’s disciplinary policies to include penalties for bias-based policing, racial profiling, inappropriate use of force, or violations of the Right to Know Act.

“While I recognize the progress made … I cannot vote yes on an agreement that does not update the disciplinary matrix,” Atonna said. “We have a right to ask what we are paying the officers for.”

PBA President Kevin Van Wagner praised the agreement, noting it includes longevity increases to help retain officers and improve recruiting by providing stability for potential transfers. “This contract represents a cooperative and constructive negotiation process aimed at recognizing the dedication of our police officers while also responsibly managing the City’s fiscal priorities,” Van Wagner said. “Both parties worked in good faith to resolve outstanding issues and craft an agreement that supports public safety, provides fair compensation and benefits to police personnel, and reflects the shared commitment to serving and protecting all members of our community.”


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