Delray Beach Police Union Demands Higher Pay Amid Contract Showdown

Delray Beach, Florida, USA - Delray Beach is currently embroiled in a heated negotiation battle between city officials and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (PBA). The friction centers on two key issues: the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) and wages. Magistrate Thomas Young has waded into the fray, recommending a significant change that could impact the future of local law enforcement. According to Boca Magazine, Young advised extending the DROP from five years to eight years, a request that the PBA believes is crucial for retaining experienced officers. On the other hand, Mayor Tom Carney has raised concerns about the union’s tactics, arguing that they allowed senior officers to overpower junior members during negotiations.

As the negotiations have dragged on for months, the PBA declared an impasse earlier this year after contract discussions failed to yield progress. The sticking points have not only revolved around the DROP program but also center on officer salaries. Currently, starting salaries for Delray Beach police officers are at a mere $61,000, the second lowest in Palm Beach County, while the average across the county hovers around $70,000. This has sparked a wave of departures, with nine officers seeking better pay in neighboring jurisdictions since negotiations began in June, notes Boca Post.

City Council Action

In response to these challenges, an emergency council meeting was convened to address the looming impasse. Vice Mayor Rob Long emphasized the need for resolution to bolster officer morale. The city is circulating a proposal for a starting salary above $70,000, which the PBA has long advocated for. However, this offer does not include the requested extension of DROP benefits, raising questions about how serious the city is about retaining its law enforcement.

The PBA argues that extending DROP could significantly reduce pension costs for the city, potentially saving them money in the long run. As things stand, the Delray Beach Police Department is running short-staffed with 163 officers instead of the 174 needed, leading to more overtime and strain on current officers. The current financial structure has left city leaders scrambling to balance fiscal responsibility with public safety needs.

Community Impact

With the city’s property tax rate poised to rise from $5.90 to $6.16 per $1,000 of assessed value next year, residents may soon feel the pinch as local officials navigate these contentious negotiations. While some residents may question the necessity of funding increased police budgets, violent crime statistics are concerning; 39 shootings and two homicides were recorded in 2024 alone, including 12 shootings just this year. With officers operating at minimum staffing levels, the pressure is mounting, and the demand for substantial contract improvements is more urgent than ever.

The PBA has called upon Delray Beach residents to attend public hearings aimed at advocating for their officers. President John Kazanjian highlighted the financial burden of training new officers, which costs taxpayers around $200,000, only for these recruits to leave for better opportunities. It’s a situation that begs for a viable solution and unites community sentiment.

As Delray Beach navigates these turbulent waters, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcomes will reverberate through the community. It’s essential for all parties involved to take a step back, reassess their positions, and work towards a resolution that prioritizes both public safety and the welfare of those who serve. The clock is ticking as contract negotiations progress, and the community’s future lies in the balance.

For further details on this developing story, read more at Boca Magazine, WPTV News, and Boca Post.