The City of Newburgh 2016 budget was approved without a long overdue pay raise for police officers.

Monday, on the night the budget was approved, City of Newburgh Police officers filled up City Council headquarters asking for a new contract and pay raises. City of Newburgh cops have gone nine years without a raise.

According to the Times Herald Record, The budget didn’t set aside any money for police officers. It's likely the only way for the cops to receive a raise is if a new contract is reached between the city and police union. Contract negations are ongoing.

The most recent contract expired in 2012. That deal included no pay raises and required all officers to give up five paid days off. At the time, the agreement was reached to help 15 officers keep their jobs.

According to SeeThroughNY.Net starting pay for City of Newburgh officers is around $40,000. Which is significantly lower than neighboring police departments. Starting salaries in neighboring towns range from $48,758 in the Town of Wallkill, $50,138 in the Town of New Windsor, $50,198 in Kingston and $55,428 in the Town of Newburgh

City of Newburgh Police officials believe the low salary makes it extremely difficult to recruit new or veteran officers. They feel many will take jobs in other departments that feature more pay and much less danger.

More From WRRV-WRRB