The Peoria Heights Village Board has unanimously approved a three-year contract with its police union.

The 12 officers in Peoria Heights Police Benevolent Association Unit 76 will receive a 3 percent annual increase over the life of the contract, basically a cost-of-living adjustment, said Village Administrator and Police Chief Dustin Sutton.

“This is a good contract for both parties,” said Sutton. “It is something that we can afford.”

The Village also updated its longevity pay structure, which rewards veteran officers. “We’ve been very lucky to retain the officers we have for many years during my administration,” said Sutton. “I think this is a good gesture ... to show them our appreciation.”

Otherwise, benefits remained much the same.
The union had unanimously ratified the contract prior to the Village Board vote.

Both sides had agreed to postpone negotiations during the early stages of the pandemic.

“I just want to applaud the mayor, the Board of Trustees, the Police Benevolent just for having the foresight to delay this after first quarter and review it to see where we were financially. I think that
was a really professional move,” said Sutton.

“I know I speak for the entire police department when I say thank you for your continued support,” he added. “You should be very proud of the men and women of this police department, because they represent us very well.”