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Council approves pay increase for per‑diem dispatchers to $65/hour to stabilize staffing
Summary
The council approved a resolution raising per‑diem dispatcher pay from about $60 to $65 an hour to attract and retain qualified per‑diem staff and reduce overtime pressure on full‑time dispatchers.
The council adopted a resolution on Nov. 19 to increase the hourly rate for per‑diem dispatchers from about $60 (top step desk rate cited by staff) to $65 per hour.
The police chief explained the dispatch center relies on four full‑time dispatchers and a full‑time dispatch supervisor and that staffing is fragile when people take leave. Per‑diem dispatchers — often full‑time dispatchers at other agencies or part‑time workers — had been leaving for higher pay at other agencies, the chief said, and staff brought the pay increase to improve recruitment competitiveness.
Council members supported the modest increase as a way to reduce overtime burden on full‑time staff and preserve operations. The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call.
Staff will implement the new rate and proceed with recruitment and offers to candidates currently under consideration.
