Parlier Measure Q oversight committee reports average police salary above $90,000; urges economic growth plan

Fernando Banuelos, a member of Parlier's Measure Q oversight committee, presented an annual update to the City Council on June 19 reporting the committee's findings on police salaries and the city's fiscal condition. The committee said the average police officer salary with benefits is "over $90,000 per year," and that Parlier's compensation is roughly 15% higher than Central Valley averages.

Banuelos said the committee understands the need to be competitive to retain officers but expressed concern about the burden on taxpayers — especially seniors and fixed‑income residents. "We appreciate the police force who have kept our streets safe and maintained stability," Banuelos said, but he also urged the council to develop a business plan to expand the tax base with industry and housing to reduce long‑term reliance on bonds.

Council members praised the oversight committee and called for clearer annual expenditure reporting. Mayor Alma Beltran and council members asked that the oversight committee in future presentations provide a synopsis of expenditures (how Measure Q funds were spent), comparisons with peer cities and a clearer accounting of whether the measure's funds are being used as voters intended — notably to staff patrol positions. Banuelos and committee members said they will prepare a more detailed annual synopsis for the council and recommended closer coordination with the police chief on staffing and payroll details.

Why this matters: Measure Q revenue supports local public safety staffing. The committee report framed the question of balancing competitive police compensation with long‑term fiscal sustainability and called for strategic economic development to broaden the tax base.