The Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to public safety on Tuesday by approving one of Indiana’s most pro-police collective bargaining agreements from this year.
Following the unanimous action, town leaders and Merrillville FOP Lodge 168 representatives gathered to sign copies of the document.
“Public safety is at the heart of everything we do in Merrillville,” Town Council President Rick Bella said. “This contract reflects our continued commitment to supporting our Police Department and keeping Merrillville safe.”
Bella said the contract provides officers with a 10% salary increase in 2026. It also increases longevity pay to $200 per year of service. Specialty pay also moves to $750 per specialty, which includes K-9 instructors and field-training officers.
Merrillville Officer Ian Davidson-Dugan, president of Lodge 168, praised the council for supporting the agreement and responding to voices of the community.
“Throughout this year, members of this community showed their unwavering support for public safety in this very room,” he said. “Despite all kinds of adversity, including state property tax reform, we were able to come up with what is definitely the most pro-police agreement in Northwest Indiana and possibly even the whole state this year.”
Town Council President Rick Bella and FOP President Ian Davidson-Dugan exchange the ink pens each used in the signing ceremony “As a constant reminder of our commitment to following the contract and doing good deeds,” Bella said as he handed Dugan the pen he used.
Police Chief Kosta Nuses said Merrillville has grown tremendously since the town’s first police officers began patrolling after Merrillville incorporated more than 50 years ago. The Heart of the Region now includes 188 miles of roadway and a daytime population that exceeds 100,000 people.
Nuses said officers have evolved to overcome the ever-changing challenges in law enforcement.
“Today’s officers are sharper, better trained, more professional and more capable than ever before,” Nuses said. “I’m proud to stand here and say the officers of the Merrillville Police Department represent the very best of modern law enforcement, driven by integrity, preparedness and relentless commitment to doing what is right.”
Nuses said it’s an honor leading the Merrillville Police Department, and he congratulated the Town Council and FOP for developing the new agreement.
“It’s a pledge, a statement, a clear acknowledgment from our town leadership that this department matters,” Nuses said. “That the safety and security of this community is a top priority.”
Signing with Bella from the town was Council Vice President Rhonda Neal, Police Chief Nuses, and Town Attorney Joesph Svetanoff. Signing for the FOP was Dugan, and FOP Vice President MIchael Bunnell, FOP Secretary Taylor Hensley, and the FOP Labor Council Dave Dowling.
We now need to see what Senate Bill One does to the town budget before we can review what the town can do for the other 100 or so employees of the town. If possible, after review in April, we will provide pay increases for other town staff retroactively to the first of the year. The FOP has a labor agreement, different from other town employees, so this had to get completed now. We value all of our town employees. -Rick Bella
Photos by Chas Reilly
Council President Rick Bella shakes hands with FOP President Ian Davidson-Dugan after signing the new FOP contract for 2026.