Committee backs temporary increase to sworn police staffing to 43 to support recruits

A police department representative told the Muskego City Finance Committee on April 14 that the department is "currently three down in our police department" and asked the committee to recommend that the full council temporarily increase the authorized number of sworn positions from 41 to 43.

The presenter said the department is actively interviewing about a dozen candidates and wants the flexibility to offer higher-than-authorized pay to attract qualified recruits. He explained that recruits are paid at 75% while in the academy for the first five to six months and that, under current timelines, a recruit hired now would not be fully field-ready until about May 2027.

Committee members asked whether the state reimburses academy costs and whether there is a minimum service requirement after training. The presenter said the state reimburses the academy training costs but that reimbursement covers only the academy, not the probationary period; he said there is not a formal minimum-service covenant in place for newly trained officers. Committee members also noted overtime savings as a rationale for the temporary increase and discussed preparing for anticipated retirements in coming years.

A committee member moved and a second was offered to recommend approval of the temporary authorization; the committee approved the recommendation by voice vote. The committee’s action is a recommendation to the full council and does not by itself amend the 2027 budget. Staff said any ongoing budget implications would be addressed during next year’s budget process if the headcount remains elevated.

Next steps: The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the full Muskego City Council for final action during the council’s budget and staffing deliberations.