Houston Police nab 7 percent pay raises in new contract deal

Joe Gamaldi, the incoming Houston Police Officers Union president, is shown in his office Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) Joe Gamaldi, the incoming Houston Police Officers Union president, is shown in his office Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Houston Police nab 7 percent pay raises in new contract deal 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Houston police officers voted overwhelmingly Friday to ratify a new contract with the city that would give officers a staggered 7 percent raise over two years.

"We are overjoyed that our membership has passed this contract by 96 percent of those who voted," HPOU President Joe Gamaldi said. "It's the highest approval rating for any contract we've ever had."

Gamaldi did not provide a breakdown of how many of the city's 5,200 officers actually voted.

The contract now must go to Houston City Council for approval.

The proposal, which would take effect in July 2019, comes as the city is waging a high-profile campaign to defeat a firefighter-backed referendum on "pay parity" aimed at bringing firefighter salaries in line with police officers.

The police contract -- staggered over two years -- would go into effect for officers who have completed their six-month probationary periods, raising pay from $55,000 to about $57,000 in July 2019, and then by another $1,500 in 2020. The city has estimated the overall cost of the proposal at approximately $52 million.

Background: Proposed contract would give Houston police 7 percent raise over two years.

Shortly after the vote's result was announced, Police Chief Art Acevedo took to social media to congratulate his officers.

"The results are a testament to the leadership of the @hpou & @SylvesterTurner & the maturity of our work force," he tweeted. "Proud of our team & community."

St. John Barned-Smith covers public safety and major breaking news for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Send tips to st.john.smith@chron.com.