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Avondale approves midyear police and fire pay changes, creates two new patrol lieutenant positions
Summary
Council approved market adjustments and structural changes to police and fire pay plans effective Jan. 5, 2026; staff said changes aim to improve recruitment and retention, and the council approved creation of two new lieutenant positions for patrol coverage.
The Avondale City Council on Oct. 6 approved midyear adjustments to sworn public safety pay plans and authorized two additional full‑time police lieutenant positions, measures staff said are intended to improve recruitment and retention amid West Valley market pressure.
Human Resources Director Andy presented a market survey of West Valley comparators (Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria and Surprise) and recommended multiple changes effective on the first pay period of 2026 (Jan. 5, 2026). For police officers staff recommended aligning the recruit rate with the market midpoint at $34.23 per hour, reducing the officer step structure from nine to eight steps while maintaining a 5% progression between steps, and increasing individual rates accordingly. Staff reported the market study showed officers’ midpoint was roughly 2% below…
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