The East Grand Forks council has approved a retention bonus plan for existing members of the police department starting in 2023. Members voted six-to-one against implementing the program during the final quarter of this year.
Mayor Steve Gander urged the council to consider a 2022 start-up as a way to show support for the work officers do.
Council member Dale Helms says while he supports the bonus program for 2023 it’s not in the city budget for this year. “It’s going to cost the city a lot of money. There are a lot of people out there that would love to get a cost of living increase. Most companies can’ afford to do that. It seems like when you care in government of any kind it’s kind of a given to get those….”
Police Chief Mike Hedlund says he attended a job fair last week in the Twin Cities and over 50 agencies were looking for help. Hedlund says the competition for new hires is nationwide.
According to an MOU with the police union bonuses of $3,000 dollars would be paid to officers who have been with the department for 2-4 years. The figure would gradually climb to $5,000 dollars for years ten to retirement. A staff report estimates the budget impact of the program based on current personnel is around $80,000 dollars per year.
The 2023 measure was adopted on a six-to-one vote.
EGF Police Chief Mike Hedlund:
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