Overview

• The 2026 budget proposal drops the fall 2022 ‘double-time’ overtime provision and reverts to the standard time-and-a-half pay for all MPD shifts.
• Mayor Frey’s office says he can implement the change without city council or union approval by leveraging the expiring contract and his administrative authority.
• Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the agreement with the Police Officers Federation will not be renewed when the current contract lapses at year’s end.
• MPD logged a record $28 million in overtime spending last year—about $12 million over its budget—while sworn ranks have rebounded from 560 in spring 2024 to roughly 614 officers and recruits.
• City officials argue the rollback will help contain property tax increases and relieve budgetary pressure after past disputes over spending priorities.