Lexington’s City Council appears ready to approve another pay increase for its police officers. The first reading of the salary hike is on the Council’s docket Thursday. It got preliminary approval during Tuesday’s work session. Council Member David Kloiber cast the lone no vote.
“We saw the last time that we raised our salaries that the surrounding counties, other municipalities, they raised theirs. So, we didn’t actually see a net increase in that retention. What is different about this because it seems to be doing the same thing we did last time and expecting a different result,” said Kloiber.
The mayor's chief of staff Tyler Scott said there was a smaller attrition rate this year compared to the previous year. He added many believe it’s a more favorable work environment for police.
City Attorney Dave Barberie said these pay increases will likely make Lexington the highest-paid police department in the state. Barberie also said, quote, “I think you’re going to know whether this is about the money or not after this time.” Supplements to E-9-1-1 workers would also come from the $26 million set aside from surplus funds.
Kloiber also asked about the transfers to Lexington from other law enforcement agencies, including possibly outside Kentucky. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said his department does take lateral transfers, but they do undergo additional training.
“The people that we talk to that come here, appreciate the additional training. They talk about the training they get at the state level. The training they get from other areas and they say that our training is far and above that. So, in order to maintain quality, I think we need to stay with that.”
The City is also pursuing a change in state law to allow for the rehiring of retired officers. A pay supplement is proposed for E-9-1-1 workers. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said work continues on pay raises for fire and corrections workers.
