The City Council on Monday unanimously approved a new contract with International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 301.

The contract – presented through two ordinances, one covering fiscal years 2013-14, and the other covering 2015-17 – had received the Finance Committee’s full endorsement on July 16. The union had been without a new contract since the expiration of the previous pact in 2012.

The negotiations that led to the latest agreement had proven difficult, and the matter at one point appeared destined to go to arbitration. The contract provides for a roughly 3-percent pay increase over the full five-year period, and an attached fiscal impact statement puts its total additional cost at $760,340.

As was the case at the finance hearing, officials at Monday’s meeting were glowing in their praise for the police department’s personnel, particularly in light of the controversy that has dominated much of the last two years. Many officers were present in Council Chambers to witness the vote.

Citywide Councilman Michael Farina said the “decorum” and “professionalism” shown by police exemplifies the best of the Cranston community.

“I am so proud of you,” Council Vice President Richard Santamaria told the gathered officers. “This is a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned.”

“This is a good contract for the taxpayer,” Ward 5 Councilman Chris Paplauskas said.

Council President John Lanni, noting he has voted for and against police contracts in the past, called the latest agreement “fair.”

Officer Robert Santagata, president of Local 301, had asked the full council to reprise the level of support shown at the committee level.

“We’re trying to move forward,” he said. “I hope the momentum from a couple of weeks ago will continue.”

Mayor Allan Fung and Chief of Police Col. Michael Winquist also spoke in favor of the agreement. Following the council’s vote, the officers and officials joined in a round of applause.