The city of Hutchinson and the union representing the city law enforcement have avoided a fact finding study and reached an agreement for a new one year contract. The Hutchinson City Council approved the new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police during today’s regular meeting.

The city and the FOP reached an impasse in September on a new contract. A mediator was brought in with no success, so a fact finder was to be brought in. That person was to gather data and present it to both sides. However both sides went back to the bargaining table and came to an agreement.

Like the other union contracts with the city, the new collective bargaining agreement freezes pay and merit increases for the year. It also call for all grievances to be handled by non-binding arbitration through a federal mediator, and makes minor changes to sick and injury leave. The contract runs through December of 2012.