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Council directs study of $2,500 bonus for recent hires as police department reports staffing and equipment updates
Summary
Council authorized staff to investigate a $2,500 bonus for officers hired since 2023 (up to a four-year eligibility window) and received updates on calls for service, squad vehicle repairs and proposed citation form changes.
The Long Prairie City Council on Nov. 4 authorized an investigation into a proposed $2,500 bonus for police officers hired since 2023, potentially available for up to four years if qualifications are met and budget allows. Council member Jim Kreemer moved for the investigation and Council member Lilah Gripne seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Council discussion noted the bonus is intended as a retention and recruitment tool and that staff would draft policy language addressing eligibility, duration and budget implications. The motion directed staff to develop documentation for the program; implementation would depend on budget availability and finalized policy.
Earlier in the meeting, Council member Kreemer reported Long Prairie Police Department activity over the previous 21 days: 246 calls for service (about 11.7 per day). He reported vehicle updates (2024 squad now in use; 2021 squad receiving new cameras and radar; 2023 squad was in a minor accident and is being evaluated at a body shop), consideration of new city administrative citation forms with statute references and Spanish translation, and a potential plan to add a seventh officer subject to grant-funding stipulations. Nancy Watkins was noted to have 30 hats to donate to the department.
The council approved moving forward with documentation and investigation but did not adopt a policy or commit funding for the bonus on Nov. 4; staff were assigned to prepare the details.
