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Cabot council approves pay increases for police and firefighters to improve recruitment and retention
Summary
Council moved and adopted a resolution to amend the 2026 general fund to provide wage increases for Cabot police and fire personnel, described by sponsors as necessary to remain competitive with neighboring jurisdictions and to address recruitment and retention problems.
The Cabot City Council voted March 2 to amend the 2026 general fund and approve wage increases for the city's police and fire departments.
"We've done our research. We listened to y'all at budget time about the fire and police and their wages," the mayor said while presenting the resolution alongside staff. The measure aims to move starting pay closer to peer cities and improve recruitment and retention.
Sponsors told the council they had surveyed nearby jurisdictions and designed the increase to be competitive in the regional labor market. Council discussion was broadly supportive; a council member asked that non-uniform employees be considered in future compensation discussions as well.
The resolution passed unanimously in roll-call votes during the meeting. Police and fire leadership thanked the council in public comment: Chief Chad Moore and Chief John Dodd said the raise will help both recruitment and retention and expressed appreciation for the council's action.
Staff said the budget amendment would be implemented in the 2026 payroll schedule and that additional details about funding sources and exact salary steps would be provided in committee materials and personnel documents.
