Houlton Town Council ratifies new police union contract

The Houlton Town Council has ratified a three-year union contract for the Houlton Police Department, covering the period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. The agreement includes retroactive pay of approximately $7,200 or more for officers and dispatchers who had been without a contract since December 31.

To address recruitment and retention challenges, the contract implements significant wage increases. Effective January 1, 2026, entry-level patrol salaries will rise by $5 per hour, moving from $26.09 to $31.09. Subsequent annual increases of $1.50 per hour are scheduled for the following two years, bringing the 2028 entry-level rate to $34.09 per hour.

Police Chief Tim DeLuca noted that the department has faced recent setbacks, including five resignations since last fall, four of which were to higher-paying roles at the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, Chief DeLuca and Captain Jasmine Cyr are working patrol shifts to cover vacancies until new personnel are hired and trained.