Two Manchester police unions agreed this week to accept some benefit concessions that will save taxpayers a lot of money, and in turn not just save but create more jobs for city officers. That’s tremendously good news.

Mayor Ted Gatsas has been working with the unions for months to come to an agreement that would prevent layoffs and possibly allow the city to hire more officers. This week the city announced a deal that would save 35 jobs within the department and create seven more.

The Manchester Police Patrolmen’s Association and the Manchester Police Supervisors agreed to open their contracts, which were set to expire in 2013, so the city could increase the officers’ health insurance contributions. Officers will have to pay higher co-pays ($20) and premium contributions — 12.5 percent in 2013, 15 percent in 2014, and 20 percent in 2015. New hires will pay 20 percent premium contributions and $20 co-pays right away.

The concessions allowed the city to save enough money to keep 20 officers who might have been laid off otherwise and another 15 whose compensation was funded with federal grant money. There was enough cash left over to hire seven more officers, according to city officials. In exchange for the concessions, the contracts were extended for two more years with a 1 percent cost-of-living raise.

Kudos to police union officials and members for taking this deal to save money and jobs. Firefighters, the city is looking at you now.