Human Resources Department
www.santa-ana.org/HR
Item # 16
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
March 17, 2026
TOPIC: Revised Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association
AGENDA TITLE
Revised Memorandum of Understanding Establishing the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Classifications Represented by the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) for the period of January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, modifying and delineating specific articles of the MOU (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) on June 16, 2024. The City and POA now desire to alter a few items in the MOU. Articles 5.0 and 6.0 of the MOU outlines assignment and other special pay additives. On May 28, 2025, Council approved the creation of the Correctional Officer II classification. To reflect the new classification, the City and POA have agreed to update Article 5.0. This would create a promotional opportunity for Correctional Officers to advance from Correctional Officer I to Correctional Officer II. Also, the City and POA have agreed to provide a new pay premium of 2.5% for Jail Transportation Officers. Correctional Officers are required at times to transport inmates; the City and POA desire to provide additional pay for those Correctional Officers that obtain the certification required and who are regularly assigned to this duty. In addition, this revised MOU language will clarify that the current pilot premium would also apply to fixed wing aircraft pilots.
The City has received multiple letters from CalPERS questioning if specific assignment pays and specials additives should be considered pensionable. The proposed changes would clarify the various requirements for the assignment pays and special additives where applicable and clarify the language to meet CalPERS questions matching the intent
Revised Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association
March 17, 2026
5 5
9 9
of both the City and the POA. The updated language does not alter the intent of the MOU nor the past practice of implementing the MOU.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with these actions.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated annual cost of the agreement for FY25-26 is $18,886 for the jail transport premium and fixed wing pilot premium. Funds are available for expenditure in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Funding for subsequent years will be provided with the annual budget.
EXHIBIT
1. Revised Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association
Submitted By: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager