Fox Chapel council approves 4-year contract with police

Fox Chapel officials have approved a new four-year contract with their police department.

The borough council unanimously voted in favor of its end of the collective bargaining agreement on Nov. 17.

Police approved its part in October.

Terms for the contract, which runs through the end of 2029, include 3.2% wage hikes each year.

Health care contributions will increase from 6% to 10% as part of a compromise.

Officers Donald Stoner Jr., a member of the police’s negotiating team, said the borough offered a three-year deal and the department wanted four years, which is the length of the current contract that expires at the end of 2025.

The borough sought more health care contributions, citing rising premiums and costs.

“It wasn’t hostile, it was very professional.” Stoner said of the negotiation sessions. Calling Fox Chapel “a good community to be in,” he added that “we look forward to serving it the best way we can.”

Stoner said other contract terms include a $2 per hour boost to the officer-in-charge or shift supervisor and a $20 monthly stipend provided that the officer completes leadership-related trainings.

Other members of the department’s team included Sgt. Jeffrey Clark and Officer Richard Klein.

Officer Michael Catanzaro Jr. filled in for acting Chief Craig Sorg at the council meeting and watched the contract approval.

“There is a give-and-take and I think it was fair,” Catanzaro said.

Councilmen Fred Leech and Brad Harrison and Councilwoman Betsy Monroe were on the borough’s negotiating team.

“We’re very happy that we came to an agreement with our police colleagues,” Leech said.

He went over contract highlights prior to the vote, including a provision that allows an officer from another municipality to have his or her years there count toward pension accrual in Fox Chapel.

“We collectively think that can improve recruitment and retention,” Leech said. He also noted officers can use up to 24 hours of compensatory time in a year.

“We think it promotes some measure of a work-life balance, which is important for our first responders,” Leech said.

“As in prior years, the discussions were very straightforward. Very direct, but very respectful. The team, council as a whole, the borough as a whole has great respect for our first responders.”

Teams were formed in March and negotiations heated up over the summer.

“This agreement reflects months of constructive dialogue and genuine collaboration,” Harrison said after the meeting. “We’re grateful to our officers and negotiating teams for working together in the best interest of the borough, the police force and the community we serve.”

The department has 12 full-time officers, including the acting chief and school resource officer for Shady Side Academy.

Officers responded to 2,150 calls for service last year.

Department records show the busiest month was September with 262 calls and the slowest was February with 129 calls.