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Council pulls police chief pay increase after member raises transparency concerns
Summary
Council debated a resolution to amend the pay schedule for the police chief but, after a council member raised concerns about timing and possible undisclosed actions related to the position, staff recommended pulling the item for future consideration; HR said the change would align the chief's pay with prior COLA adjustments.
The City Council considered a resolution to amend the comprehensive pay schedule to update the salary range for the chief of police effective July 21, 2026, but staff recommended pulling the item after council debate about timing and transparency.
"My concern is with the timing of this item, as well as actions that have been taken that, in my opinion, are nothing short of reckless," Council member Aponkaier said, adding he would not vote in favor of the measure and asked that the city release any information relevant to the item so the council could discuss it openly. A public commenter, resident Parwin RuPaul, urged the council to make any pertinent information available to the public.
City Manager Emily Merrill denied any improper favoritism related to the pay-schedule recommendation and told the council staff plans to issue an RFP for a classification and compensation study in August with replies expected in September. "So the classification compensation study...we should put it out in August, and we should get some type of reply back in September," Merrill said.
Human Resources Coordinator Harcy Cruz explained staff's recommendation: the chief's classification had not received the same cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) other classifications received in July 2024 and July 2025. Cruz said the proposed change would restore separation between the chief and top lieutenant pay steps and help future recruitment.
Following discussion, staff asked the council to pull item 4 for future consideration; the council agreed to remove it from tonight's consent consideration and discuss it at a later date.
Next step: staff will issue the RFP for a compensation study; council will revisit the pay-schedule amendment after staff returns with additional information.
