The East Grand Forks council will review the results of a pay equity study before deciding whether to continue a police recruitment and retention bonus program.
The council adopted the bonus pay plan in October of last year on a one-year trial basis in response to stiff competition for filling positions within the department.
P-D Chief Mike Hedlund says he doesn’t have any hard data to say the program works – but the department is fully staffed at the moment. At the same time Hedlund says no one is breaking down the door to apply. “I do think some of our officers are sitting back to see what happens with the retention bonuses and our contract for standard wage negotiations.”
The city is currently negotiating a new two year contract with employee unions. Mayor Steve Gander says he could support a one year extension of the program. “We have to stop short of connecting it to a two year contract or it becomes de factor wages.”
Bonuses of $3,000 dollars are paid to officers who have been with the department for 2-4 years. The figure climbs to $5,000 dollars for years ten to retirement. The budget impact for 2024 is estimated at $42,000 dollars.
The issue will be back in front of a future council work session.
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