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Muskegon approves one-time $5,000 retention bonus for sworn police officers
Summary
The Muskegon City Commission approved a one-time $5,000 retention bonus for eligible sworn officers, to be paid in two installments with an eight‑month clawback period. Public Safety Director Tim Kozel urged the measure to stem turnover as staffing fell from 71 to about 65 officers.
The Muskegon City Commission voted to approve a one-time retention payment of $5,000 for each eligible sworn Muskegon Police Department officer, approving the measure after a staff presentation and several commissioners’ questions.
Public Safety Director Tim Kozel told the commission the department’s authorized strength was 71 officers but had fallen to “around 65,” and described the bonus as a targeted step to retain experienced officers. "From the money that I felt that we had available in working with our finance department, I felt that we could do a $5,000 per officer retention bonus," Kozel said, describing a structure of two installments: the first payout in October’s second pay period, and a second payment in June with an eight‑month "tail" that could be recovered from final pay if an officer leaves during that period.
Kozel and commissioners discussed recruitment and longer‑term pay adjustments. Kozel said the city has raised lateral hiring bonuses (to $10,000) and is pursuing wage discussions with the union, but that upfront retention helps stabilize staffing immediately. Commissioners asked about academy funding and eligibility; Kozel said some academy recruitment funding comes from state programs and that city dollars may be requested to support local recruits.
Commissioners also sought budget clarity. Staff and a commissioner calculated the bonus at roughly $325,000 based on 65 officers at $5,000 each; city staff characterized the proposal as "very close" to budget neutral, with the general fund covering the cost because the department is funded for 71 positions. Several commissioners expressed support for the retention effort while noting a longer‑term compensation strategy would be preferable.
The motion — “to approve the one‑time $5,000 employment retainer bonus for all eligible sworn officers of the Muskegon Police Department” — was moved by Commissioner Cochin and supported on the floor. The commission approved the measure on a roll‑call vote of those present.
What’s next: Staff will implement the payment schedule and continue discussions with the union and the city manager on longer‑term wage adjustments and recruitment strategies.
