The city and police union have agreed to a new two-tiered, three-year contract that will begin Jan. 1.

“I’m very excited about this,” said city manager Mike Lucking. “I think some of the key points are trend-setting.”

Currently, officers in the union are on a six-step system paying $21.56 per hour at the first step up to $28.38 per hour on the last step. The new contract calls for a one percent increase in 2013 and 2014 with a two percent increase in 2015.

It also calls for new hires during that time to be paid 10 percent less, which is the big difference from past contracts.

“We expect to hire nine new officers in the next three years due to attrition and such,” said Trotwood police chief Quincy Pope.

The new-hire pay scale will range from $19.99 an hour to $26.32 an hour.

Currently, Trotwood has a police staff of 34. Patrolman Roger Hoff of the union said his side was, “actually very pleased with the contract.

“The increases are not much, but it helps a little bit,” Hoff said. “And we’ve taken 8-10 percent cuts the last three years. We’re looking for the future of the department, not just the next three years.”

Also built into the contract is a clause rewarding officers for being physically fit, part of a wellness initiative.

Council member and vice-mayor Rap Hankins said, “I want to thank our police union for helping out and for the union understanding we’re moving forward.”