The Burlington City Council will hold a Special Meeting/Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Burlington Municipal Building at 425 South Lexington Avenue.
At the November 3 Work Session and the November 18 City Council meeting, Chief of Police Michael Williams presented Council with material that showed a disturbing trend in officer retention. There are currently 21 unoccupied police officer positions in the Burlington Police Department (BPD) out of 118 positions. This severe workforce shortage is resulting in:
• Increased Calls For Service (CFS);
• Calls For Service being held for available officers;
• Longer response times;
• Less visible police presence in neighborhoods;
• Increased case load for detectives.
Since January 1, 2004 the BPD has lost 68 police officers. Of these, 29 went to other law enforcement agencies for financial reasons. From Patrolman through Staff Sergeant, BPD averages 18% under salaries of competing agencies in the City’s market area. At full-staff next year, 40% of BPD force would have less than three years experience. “[I]t’s the younger officers who are leaving and are more marketable to these competing agencies,” said Chief Williams. “We are training high quality officers… [unfortunately], other communities are benefiting rather than the citizens of Burlington.”
In response, Council is considering salary increases, as well as additional benefits to remain competitive with surrounding agencies. “Obviously times are difficult… but the safety of our citizens has to be a top priority,” said Mayor Ronnie Wall. “It’s vital that we maintain an experienced workforce.”
The Council welcomes citizen feedback on the proposed measures to improve BPD’s officer retention at next week’s meeting. Staff recommendations are as follows:
A. A 7.5% one-time pay increase for the remainder of FY08-09 for $165,000; FY09-10 will need $585,000 to maintain raise, OR;
B. A 10% one-time pay increase for the remainder of FY08-09 for $225,000; FY09-10 will need $700,000 to maintain raise, OR;
C. A 12.5% one-time pay increase for the remainder of FY08-09 for $275,000; FY09-10 will need $825,000 to maintain raise, OR;
D. A 15% one-time pay increase for the remainder of FY08-09 for $325,000; FY09-10 will need $950,000 to maintain raise.
Click here to view Chief Williams' presentation to Council.