For almost four years, the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association says officers have been working without a contract.

But this week, arbitration led to a contract agreement for 2018 and 2019.

The PBA says the contract was held up because the City Council voted it down over long-term retroactive pay. That portion was removed, and officers will now receive some partial retroactive pay.

Another issue was a requirement that officers live within the city limits.

“All new police officers that are hired will be required to live in the city for five years within six months of the graduation date,” Joseph Moran, Syracuse PBA president, said. “There is a bargaining process here. We received a number of incentives in this contract and in return all new police officers will be required to live in the city for five years that’s part of the award.”

Negotiations are still happening on contracts for 2020 and 2021.