subject to NIFA approval would run retroactively

from Jan. 1, 2018 until July 1, 2026

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

The Nassau County Legislature unanimously approved a $159 million contract with the county’s Police Benevolent Association on Monday.

The eight-and-a-half year agreement, which still has to be approved by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, would run retroactively from Jan. 1, 2018 until July 1, 2026 and increase the top base pay for ofcers from $122,000 to $141,000.

The agreement would also increase the top base pay for ofcers from $122,000 to $141,000 and increase the starting pay for new ofcers from $35,000 to $37,333.

The NIFA board is set to vote on the contract during a Feb. 6 meeting, according to Newsday.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman described the negotiations between the two parties as “exhaustive,” but expressed his pleasure with the agreement.

“I believe this agreement keeps our police department at the highest levels of salary in the nation but at the same time has provisions that enhance the safety of our communities and guards the taxpayer’s money,” Blakeman said in a statement.”

The county failed to come to an agreement with the 1,800-member union during the tenure of Democratic County Executive Laura Curran. Contract proposals of the same length were submitted and provided ofcers with a 25 percent raise over eight-and-a-half years.

Annual stipends of $3,000 for ofcers wearing body cameras were agreed on by the county and the union, which ofcials said costs taxpayers $8 million each year.

The county selected Ronkonkoma-based Island Tech Services to provide the camera technology and handle training and technical support for the ofcers.

Body cameras were one of several measures included in a 424-page