Toledo City Council Approves Police Union Deal, Advances Key City Projects

Toledo, Ohio – The Toledo City Council took significant steps in its latest meeting on Tuesday, approving a collective bargaining agreement with the Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association and advancing key infrastructure and development projects across the city.

The approved contract between the city and the Toledo police union includes a substantial 16% pay raise for officers over the next four years. The increase is structured as a 3% raise in the first two years, followed by a 4% raise in year three, and a 6% base wage adjustment in the final year. The deal is seen as a win for the police union, which has long advocated for better compensation and benefits.

Joseph Cira, president of the Toledo Firefighters Local 92, which is currently in the midst of its own contract negotiations, has indicated that the firefighters are seeking similar treatment to the police officers in terms of compensation and working conditions. This could set the stage for more collaborative talks between the city and public safety unions in the near future.

In addition to the police contract, Toledo City Council also approved a major step toward addressing a persistent infrastructure issue in the city. The council authorized a contract with Hillabrand & Sons Construction, LLC, to repair a sanitary sewer problem that has been causing a sinkhole on Arlington Avenue in south Toledo. The repairs are expected to help stabilize the area and prevent further damage to the street.

The council also took steps toward revitalizing the city’s downtown area. A grant agreement with the Toledo Mud Hens, the city’s minor league baseball team, will fund the redesign of part of St. Clair Street into an entertainment-focused zone. The $50,000 allocation is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s appeal to residents and tourists alike.

In other development news, the city is set to receive funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation for several initiatives. Toledo will receive an additional $89,271 for the Safe Routes to School Program, designed to make it safer for children to walk or bike to school. The city will also receive $263,757 to improve rights of way along Secor Road between Alexis and Laskey roads. These improvements are part of a broader push to enhance transportation infrastructure in the region.

The city’s commitment to infrastructure also extends to its bridge maintenance efforts. Council approved the allocation of $1.95 million in matching funds for state and federal grants aimed at repairing and upgrading the city’s bridges, with plans for additional work in the coming years.

Turning its attention to energy concerns, the council voiced its opposition to FirstEnergy’s request to raise distribution rates for Toledo Edison customers. The proposed rate increase would result in higher monthly charges for residents and businesses, potentially making it harder to attract new investments to the area. Council members urged the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to deny the request, citing its potential negative impact on the local economy.

Finally, the Toledo City Council expressed strong support for a 10-year replacement levy for the Toledo Metroparks. The levy would generate over $16 million annually to fund park improvements and maintenance, helping to preserve and enhance the city’s green spaces for future generations.

With these actions, the Toledo City Council is moving forward with plans to improve public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life for residents, while addressing critical issues in energy costs and park funding. The collective bargaining agreement with the police union marks a notable development in labor relations, while the ongoing investments in city projects aim to foster a more vibrant and sustainable Toledo.