MN Town's Leaders Vote to Disband Police, Then Reach Agreement to Keep Officers on Job

Forest Lake (MN) Police officers have unanimously voted to accept a new labor deal with the city, leaving just one more hurdle to clear before the community can begin to leave an acrimonious chapter behind.  

Members of both the patrol and sergeant's unions accepted the terms of the deal, which lasts 3 years, includes two and three percent pay raises, and allows the force to maintain its health care benefits for both active and retired officers.

The dramatic turnaround in this story arc comes just two days after the city council voted 3-2 to disband the police department and contract with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Monday night's meeting ended with residents who had packed the council chambers booing, jeering, and shouting down Mayor Ben Winnick, who cast the deciding vote. 

On Wednesday, the city unexpectedly announced in a press release that it has reached a tentative agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services to keep the Forest Lake Police Department, KARE TV reports.