Ridgecrest — The City Council on Dec. 3 approved a resolution adopting a new salary schedule for sworn police positions that raises pay across sworn ranks by about 17% and reconfigures staffing by removing four sworn positions and adding two community service officer (CSO) posts.

City staff presenting the plan said the change aims to reduce officer attrition by making Ridgecrest more competitive with neighboring agencies. The presentation noted the department has struggled to fill vacancies and that moving some transport duties to CSOs would keep more sworn officers on patrol. The proposed increase covers chiefs, captains, sergeants and officers, and staff said the chief’s pay will also be adjusted to narrow a prior gap with comparable agencies.

Staff estimated a budget impact of roughly $442,500 over FY2026–27 and said they expect to use about $107,000 in anticipated salary savings from a forthcoming vacancy plus one-time operating capital funds to cover the first-year cost. Finance staff said they would revisit the arrangements at next year’s budget process if further adjustments are needed.

Council members asked about academy graduates, how transports to regional jails are handled and whether service levels would change. The police chief, who joined the meeting by phone, said adding CSOs should reduce the number of sworn officers required to make long prisoner transports and allow patrol officers to remain available for calls for service. Staff noted two officers are currently in the academy, one graduating the next day and another in February, and a lateral hire is completing background checks.

After discussion, a councilmember moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and passed on a 5-0 vote.

The resolution takes immediate effect as adopted. Councilmembers and staff said they will monitor staffing outcomes and present any recommended changes at the next budget cycle.