Council deadlocks on waiving readings for temporary police shift differential; chief asked to return

Council held a lengthy discussion of Ordinance 2026-04-05, a temporary shift-differential proposal intended to incentivize officers to cover weekend shifts during a period of staffing shortages. The measure would apply to both part-time and full-time officers. The police chief and supporters said incentives are needed to fill summer weekend patrols when the community population increases and activity rises; opponents worried a $5-per-shift differential could unintentionally pay part-time officers more for weekend shifts than the full-time sergeant earns and voiced concerns about internal equity.

A prosecutor-participant and other council members described recruitment challenges across neighboring jurisdictions and noted that starting pay in other local municipalities now often exceeds pay rates available in Roaming Shores. The chief’s office previously raised base-hourly pay from about $21 to the mid-$20s, but council members said that wage compression and the small number of local full-time personnel complicate coverage.

Council debated procedural options. One member moved to waive the three-reading rule so the ordinance could take effect more quickly; the roll-call vote to waive resulted in a tie and therefore failed to pass. Council agreed to invite Chief Ed Wally to present in person at the next meeting so members could review scheduling impacts and budget specifics before any substantive vote.

Why it matters: The proposal addresses immediate coverage shortfalls in public-safety staffing but raises questions about equitable compensation and budget impact. The tied procedural vote means the ordinance will remain under consideration and return to council with the chief’s input.