A new multiyear police contract is in the making between the Northampton Police Department and borough administration.

The proposed contract was discussed at council's June 5 meeting.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko informed council that the police department collective bargaining proposal has been received by the borough.

The only detail he made public is that the new contract sought runs for a three-year term.

"We will need to set up a meeting between our committee and theirs," Zarayko said.

While no names have yet been made public, it is likely Council Vice President and police Committee Chairman Robert McHale, Council President John Yurish and Zarakyo will serve on the borough's committee.

The police department has 11 officers that would be covered by the contract.

Police Chief Ronald Morey is not a part of the bargaining unit.

Borough Solicitor William McCarthy is expected to serve as the borough's legal counsel during the bargaining sessions with borough police.

In the past, the contract was settled by binding arbitration with both sides represented by a member of the three-person panel.

The agreement is then reached by an arbitrator's ruling both sides agree to. The ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

Police cannot strike, but remain on the job until a compromise and agreement comes to fruition.

The police officers are currently in the final year of a three-year contract that ends in December.