LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The City of Henderson and its police department have reached a contract agreement after months of negotiations and an arbitrator’s decision.
As FOX5 previously reported, the Henderson Police Department is among the lowest-paid police agencies in Southern Nevada. Both unions sat at the bargaining table with the city for months but could not agree on a deal.
Earlier this week, an arbitrator sided with the city on a one-year contract deal that will expire in June. The one-year deal’s estimated cost is $762,000, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Under the new agreement, officers will receive a 3.5% pay increase and back pay from July to reflect the increase. Officers will also receive a $2,300 bonus at year 15 and $3,000 at year 20.
However, holiday pay has been reduced from double pay to time and a half.
Charles Hedrick, president of Henderson Police Supervisors Association, said the union is disappointed the arbitrator did not award their proposed contract package.
“While the HPSA is disappointed that the arbitrator did not award our proposed contract package, the decision makes clear that the City’s proposal was improper,” Hedrick said. “In fact, the arbitrator characterized the City’s approach as ‘draconian,’ underscoring the seriousness of our concerns throughout this process.”
Hedrick said the union is pleased the outcome reinstates some form of longevity benefits for members and provides a path forward in ongoing negotiations.
“We remain committed to advocating for fair compensation and respectful treatment for our members,” Hedrick said. “We hope that the City will take a collaborative approach to current negotiations and abandon their win at all costs mindset, which is damaging to our ongoing efforts to improve public safety within the City of Henderson.”
The City of Henderson shared their response with FOX5, emphasized that public safety remains a top priority and their commitment to “fair compensation, lawful bargaining, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds through the negotiation.”
The city says the arbitration concluded with “a balanced outcome that reflects input from both the City and the unions,” and highlighted that the final award “aligns closely with the City’s final compensation offer.”
The statement continues, “The City negotiated in good faith in its best attempt to avoid arbitration, but arbitration became necessary after multiple City proposals were declined and negotiations reached impasse leaving the City no other option but to enter arbitration.”
The City adds that they are prepared to return to the bargaining table to secure a sustainable contract for 2026 that considers both parties’ needs.
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