The East Grand Forks council took another look at an incentive program last night (Tuesday) designed to help attract more candidates for the police department.
The city is currently down two officers and the applicant pool has been hard to come by.
The incentives range from a $5,000 hiring bonus to a $2,500 relocation fee and a $5,000 retention check.
The incentives could impact the city budget to the tune of a revised figure of $90,000 dollars per year.
Council member Brian Larson says he’s concerned about the cost and may it makes sense to revisit the issue after the budget is set. “I don’t think we can afford it looking at the 2023 budget for all departments – including police.”
Mayor Steve Gander says he can support the program in the short term and perhaps roll it into an upcoming wage study. “This is not a way to adjust for inflation. It’s to say we have a nasty climate right now towards law enforcement and we want to send a message that you are appreciated.”
The city could split the program into two phases: one for recruitment and one for retention. The council could act on the program next week.
Police Chief Mike Hedlund says he’s scheduled to head to a career fair next month in the Twin Cities and unless something is in place he will likely cancel his trip because it wouldn’t be worth his time to attend.
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