Public Works Director Wade discusses 3% step increase for police and fire departments

During the recent Glenn Heights City Council meeting held on September 2, 2025, key discussions centered around employee compensation and equipment management within the city's public works, fire, and police departments.

The council addressed the current salary structure, confirming that all public safety departments are now at 90% of the market value for their positions. This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to ensure competitive salaries, which have been funded for the past two to three years. The council discussed the annual step increases for employees, which average around 3%. However, it was clarified that this increase would only apply to police, fire, and public works personnel, leaving other city employees without a raise in this cycle.

Another significant topic was the replacement of equipment attachments used by the public works department. Andrew Wade, the director of public works, explained that while these attachments are not used daily, they are essential for specific tasks. The council noted concerns regarding the security of this equipment, as some attachments had gone missing despite existing security measures, including a barbed wire fence.

The discussions highlighted the city's commitment to maintaining competitive wages for essential services while also addressing the challenges of equipment management and security. As the council moves forward, the implications of these decisions will be closely monitored, particularly regarding employee morale and operational efficiency within the city's departments.