AUSTIN, Texas — Contract talks between the City of Austin and the police union could pick up again next week.

Earlier this week, the Austin Police Association rejected a series of proposals aimed at increased police accountability.

The City Council spent several hours in executive session Thursday discussing their police contract priorities.

APD officers have operated all year without a contract, meaning no incentive pay for them, and limited officer oversight.

"Negotiations are a process,” Jimmy Flannigan, Austin City Council District 6 said. “I am still hopeful and encouraged that we will get to a contract sooner than later. Certainly, my hope would be by the end of this month. We will see if the association will stop saying no and start saying yes."

Union leaders are not commenting until negotiations are finished.

Several meetings could be scheduled next week between city negotiators and the union.