Contract negotiations between the city of Fort Pierce and its police officers association have deadlocked after the city put forward a proposal that would eliminate raises and step increases for officers, pointing to anticipated budget difficulties.
The Fort Pierce Police Officers Association announced the impasse following a fourth round of bargaining on Nov. 5, a session that included representatives of the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association.
According to the association, the city's offer included no raises and no step increases for officers, and city representatives indicated employees could potentially go two to three years without any raise at all.
The city has defended the proposal as part of broader financial planning tied to expected revenue reductions, including the potential effects of Amendment 3 and a projected $6 million budget shortfall. "The City's FY 2027 balanced budget does not include raises for any employees," the city said in a statement, adding that providing raises would require drawing on reserve funds that may be needed to support essential services in future budget years.
The association pushed back on the timing of the Amendment 3 argument, noting the measure will not affect the city's property tax revenue in the 2027 fiscal year and that its financial impact would begin the following fiscal year. It also said the projected $6 million shortfall should be weighed alongside the city's current financial position, available resources and spending priorities.
At the heart of the dispute is the city's established step pay plan, which lets officers advance through pay levels based on years of service and experience. The association contends that step increases are separate from cost-of-living adjustments and should continue even if the two sides negotiate limits on additional raises.
"We are willing to have reasonable discussions regarding a COLA and the City's financial circumstances," the association said. "However, freezing both step progression and cost-of-living adjustments for potentially multiple years is not what we consider a fair compromise."
The association also warned that a prolonged wage freeze could hurt recruitment and retention, especially as neighboring law enforcement agencies compete for experienced officers. It said newer officers accepted their positions expecting to move through the established pay plan, while veteran officers might pursue better-paying opportunities elsewhere. "This goes beyond morale. It affects trust," the association said.
The city, for its part, said it recognizes the dedication of its police officers and other employees but must balance compensation against its responsibility to maintain essential services and financial stability.
The impasse now moves into a process governed by Florida law and administered by the Public Employees Relations Commission. The two sides will select a special magistrate or mutually agree to waive that step. If a magistrate hears the case, both sides present proposals before a recommended order is issued. If either party rejects the recommendation, or the process is waived, the matter goes to the City Commission at a public hearing where residents can comment and commissioners will vote on a resolution. Both the city and the association said they remain committed to pursuing a resolution.
