AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Police Association and the City of Austin have reached a labor agreement after nearly a year of negotiations.

Agreement comes after nearly a year of negotiations

Initially rejected over cost concerns

Contract to include incremental raise

The four-year contract was approved by Austin City Council on Thursday. The APA voted to approve the contact Thursday morning prior to the council meeting.

City Council rejected the last proposal one year ago over concerns of the cost of the contract.

The new contract includes a seven-percent pay raise spread out over the next four years. The first year will include a one-percent increase starting January 1, 2019. Following years will have two-percent raises, which will also take effect January 1. If approved, officer stipends the week after Thanksgiving.

Austin City Council additionally on Thursday approved the establishment of an Office of Police Oversight.