Township Issues Formal Response to PBA Amid Ongoing Contract Dispute

Official Press Release Dated June 5 2025

First and foremost, the Montgomery Township Committee values our entire Montgomery Police Department – this is reflected in the significant investments approved over the past three years in resources, headcount and recruiting support.

Some community members have raised concerns regarding the ongoing police union (PBA) contract negotiations, which began in September 2024 and long before the contract expired. To ensure transparency and responsible governance, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor attended the May 30, 2025 bargaining session with PBA leadership and their attorney.

At that meeting, the PBA formally rejected the Township’s offer of a 3.5% annual salary increase which would maintain the relative ranking of Montgomery police salaries in the top third when compared to comparative communities. Instead, the PBA is seeking a four-year contract that includes:

• A 4.5% annual across-the-board salary increase
• Increased holiday pay
• Elimination of the dual salary schedule (previously agreed to by the PBA in their last contract), thus moving all officers to a higher pay scale
• Several additional salary enhancements

While the Mayor and Township Committee are committed to public safety, they also must be mindful (in their fiduciary capacity) of the broader financial pressures facing residents. Montgomery taxpayers already pay the highest property taxes in Somerset County and continue to face rising school and municipal expenses, compounded by inflation and what many believe to be an economic downturn. The financial impact of the PBA’s proposal is significant. For 2025 alone, the proposed changes would increase salary costs by 22%, with total increases of $1.5 million over four years (or an average of ~11% per year).

When the cost of pension and benefits are included, the cost increases to nearly $2.2 million.  By contrast, the corresponding cost of the Township’s proposal results in a $1.7 million increase over four years – delivering a significant savings to Montgomery taxpayers while maintaining our Police Officers in the top third of salaries.

Given the financial strain on residents, the Mayor and Township Committee—acting as stewards of public funds—must balance the need for competitive police compensation with fiscal responsibility today and into the future. Maintaining public safety remains a priority, but it cannot come at the expense of the Township’s long-term financial health or essential services.

Finally, it appears from recent published statements from the PBA that it is fixated on events that occurred in 2020/2021. Whatever may have happened 5 years ago, the PBA was a willing participant to that contract (which was ratified by its membership).  We must remain rooted in the present and assure the future fiscal stability of the Township. Simply put, what the PBA is asking is fiscally and budgetarily unsustainable. The Mayor and Township are committed to achieving a fair, reasonable and amicable settlement with the PBA that’s in the best interest of Montgomery’s residents.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com