By Coral Gables Gazette staff

The Coral Gables City Commission unanimously approved a one-year police union contract April 14 that includes a 3.5 percent pay increase, while city leaders signaled they hope to return to longer-term labor agreements once finances stabilize.

Why one year

The agreement provides a 3.5 percent salary increase retroactive to October 5, 2025, along with additional financial incentives for officers training an incoming recruit class. HR and Risk Management Director Cliff Friedman described the contract as financially sound and beneficial to both the city and its employees. Police Chief Ed Hudak called it fiscally prudent and noted that the one-year term preserves the city manager’s ability to negotiate a longer-term agreement when the city’s financial position is more stable.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 (FOP) ratified the contract before it came before the commission, though the membership vote was close — 52 to 48 percent.

Staffing update

Chief Hudak told the commission that the department currently has five open positions, with six officers in the pipeline and 21 in the academy. Mayor Vince Lago called the numbers a sign of good standing, crediting the chief, city manager, and support staff.

Mayor presses for longer contracts

Lago used the ratification vote to press for a three-year agreement in the next round of negotiations and called on the fire union to come to the table. City Manager Peter Iglesias told the commission the city had already contacted the fire union twice without a response. Lago directed Iglesias to send a third letter and said he expected negotiations to begin promptly toward a three-year contract.

Lago also warned commissioners about the potential impact of proposed state property tax changes moving through Tallahassee, stating he would not raise taxes to offset any revenue reduction. He referenced a $20 million cost-of-living adjustment approved two years ago that required cutting the city’s annual 13th check pension contribution from $9.5 million to $7.5 million, and framed it as an example of how fiscal decisions at one level can affect employees at another. “Do not risk having the state of Florida make a decision in regards to our tax revenue,” Lago said.

The vote

The motion was made by Commissioner Ariel Fernandez and seconded by Commissioner Richard Lara. All five commissioners voted yes.