Dewey Beach approves three‑year contract for police chief with 5% annual increases; resident warns of precedent

Dewey Beach — The Town Council approved an amended three‑year employment contract for the town’s police chief on Feb. 13, setting a base salary of $125,000 and providing for a 5% automatic increase on April 1 of each fiscal year.

The contract, presented by town staff, keeps benefits and runs three years. Council members praised the chief’s work, citing improvements in department performance, staffing and accreditation progress. Mayor Bill Stevens and several commissioners described the salary as competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.

During public comment resident David Mosquitz urged caution about guaranteed automatic increases, arguing that automatic, uncapped annual raises weaken public‑sector governance and create comparable expectations across town employees. "Salary increases would be guaranteed each year without being tied to any annual performance evaluations," Mosquitz said, adding that the town should consider linking increases to measurable performance outcomes and prevailing economic conditions.

Commissioners responded that the chief’s performance warranted the package; following discussion the council approved the contract by motion.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the contract documents and implement payroll changes so the new base salary and benefit terms take effect on the contract date; council directed no immediate further changes to the town’s compensation schedule.