PRINCETON A new agreement with the towns Police Benevolent Association that eliminates longevity pay and doubles the time it takes for a newly-hired police officer to reach the maximum pay grade was discussed by the town council tonight.

The contract also includes a pay raise for officers each year. Officers would receive a 1.75 percent raise each year for the first two years of the contract, and a 1.9 percent in the contracts final year, 2015.

Under the new contract, an officer in 2013 would make $61,543 during his or her first year. The maximum pay after 12 years of service would be $105,700. The new scales are not retroactive and would not affect current members of the police force.

Town officials hailed the agreement thats been long in the works as a success, but decided to save a vote for the next council meeting.

Mayor Liz Lempert said the agreement adds several more steps for new hires and keeps the town below the state-mandated 2 percent cap.

This agreement puts the municipality in a very good position moving forward, she said.

Detective Ben Gering, the departments union head, could not be reached for comment by press time.

Town administrator Bob Bruschi said he felt talks between the two parties were amicable and resulted in a solid contract for the next three years.

(This is) a great step in saving us more money down the line, Bruschi said.

The elimination of longevity pay will be a huge benefit for the town, he said. Longevity pay is an addition to the yearly salary based on an officers length of service.

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Princeton officials hail new contract that cuts police longevity pay