The Town of Merrillville council unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge on Tuesday, including pay and specialty-pay changes for officers.

Council President announced the agreement and called for a motion; the measure passed on a 7-0 roll-call vote. "Officers are gonna receive a 10% annual increase beginning in January '26," council leadership said when presenting the contract. The council recorded "7 in favor" and declared the motion carried.

The signed contract increases longevity pay from $100 to $200 per year of service starting in the fifth year and establishes specialty pay for K-9 instructors, field training officers, riot team training and other designated specialties. Town officials also confirmed the agreement formalizes the department’s take-home vehicle policy as previously directed by the police chief.

Representatives from the FOP — including Lodge president Ian Davidson Dugan and vice president Michael Bunnell — joined town leaders for a brief signing ceremony and delivered remarks praising the agreement. "This agreement ... is the epitome of what Benjamin Franklin was referring to, and it ought to be publicly commended," FOP leadership said during the event. Merrillville Police Chief Noussas thanked the council and described the department’s growth and training standards.

The council did not amend the contract during the meeting and did not append additional conditions. Officials said executed copies will be distributed and the town clerk will circulate the signed documents.

The measure takes effect as specified in the contract; no implementation delays or funding contingencies were reported at the Nov. 11 meeting. The council did not discuss a specific funding source at the time of the vote beyond references to the town budget and the recently discussed bond ordinance affecting capital items earlier on the agenda.