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Commission approves one-time $5,000 retention bonus for eligible Muskegon police officers
Summary
The commission authorized a two-installment $5,000 retention bonus for eligible sworn officers to address staffing and retention; staff said the cost will be close to $325,000 and funds come from the general fund gap created by unfilled positions.
The Muskegon City Commission voted Sept. 23 to approve a one-time $5,000 retention bonus for eligible sworn officers of the Muskegon Police Department, to be paid in two installments with repayment provisions if an officer leaves within the specified tail periods.
Public Safety Director Tim Kozel presented the proposal, saying the department’s staffing has declined from an authorized 71 officers to about 65 and that competitive pay in neighboring jurisdictions has contributed to turnover. Kozel described the proposal as a retention measure that other regional departments have used and said the payment would be split into two installments: $2,500 in October and a second $2,500 eight months later, each with an eight-month repayment tail if the officer leaves the department.
Kozel told the commission the city raised lateral hire incentives earlier in the year to $10,000 and has seen some recruitment success; he said the $5,000 retention payment is intended as an interim step while discussions continue about longer-term wage adjustments. "We're trying to look at investing in our team here at the police department," Kozel said, describing personnel and competitiveness challenges.
Commissioners asked about mechanics and cost. Kozel said officers may elect to invest the payment in their 457 accounts rather than receive cash, and that the department is monitoring overtime and budget impacts. The city manager confirmed funding will come from the general fund and noted the department’s budget assumes 71 positions, creating a funding gap when positions are vacant. Staff estimated the immediate cost for current eligible officers at roughly $325,000 (65 officers x $5,000), subject to budget reconciliation.
Commissioners voiced support. Commissioner Cochin moved the motion to approve the retention bonus; the motion passed on roll call with all voting members present voting yes. The commission directed staff to proceed with implementation according to the terms described to the commission and to continue discussions about broader wage adjustments.
