Mayor Linda Gorton today asked Councilmembers to approve memorandums of agreement that would give significant raises to police officers, sergeants and lieutenants and supplements to positions in E-911.
“Public safety is my top priority,” Gorton said. “Our goal is to make public safety salaries more competitive, so we can attract new hires. We are investing to keep our public safety divisions strong,” Gorton said. Raises will also be offered to fire and corrections sworn personnel in the near future.
Councilmembers set aside $26 million last month for public safety raises. The money came from year-end fund balance.
The mayor is also proposing that the city allow the rehiring of police retirees. The union has also signed off on that plan. The City will have to get the approval of the change from the Kentucky legislature.
“Cities across the country are facing challenges in hiring public safety staff. We studied the market, and these salary increases will help our hiring efforts,” Gorton said. “People know when they come to Lexington they will have the very best training and equipment, in addition to highly competitive salaries.”
Police officers and sergeants will each receive an $8,000 raise under the agreement, which has been approved by union leadership. Lieutenants and the ranks above them will each receive a $5,000 raise.
E-911 telecommunicators, telecommunicator seniors, supervisors, managers, and radio/electronics specialists will each receive a $4,000 annual supplement.
