Lawton Names Bart Hadley Arbitrator as Police Union Contract Talks Reach Impasse

Lawton’s police contract negotiations have moved to a new stage. The City Council voted Friday to ratify Bart Hadley as the City’s interest arbitrator after the International Union of Police Association Local 24 declared an impasse. Talks on a collective bargaining agreement for the fiscal year ending June 2027 began early this year but stalled, pushing disputed terms into the arbitration process.

Hadley is a former deputy city manager and fire chief for the City of Lawton, so he arrives with deep familiarity with both the city’s budget and its public safety operations. Mayor Stan Booker said the City recognizes the dedication of its police officers and remains committed to reaching a resolution, noting that Lawton has worked to address compensation concerns while balancing its responsibility to manage public funds, maintain essential services, and keep the community safe.

Want to understand what happens next? The City Council has requested an open presentation on the process for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Wayne Gilley Auditorium at Lawton City Hall. Police pay and contract disputes affect public safety, city budgets, and taxpayers all at once — so what do you want to see come out of this process? Let us know in the comments.