Trent Woods commissioners approve two-grade pay raise for police amid recruitment concerns

The Town of Trent Woods Board of Commissioners on Feb. 23 approved a two-grade pay increase for all members of the Trent Woods Police Department, saying the change is needed to address recruitment struggles and the risk of officer burnout.

Police Chief David Oglesby told the board the department has faced "recruitment problems" and that "an increase would attract more qualified applicants," and said current officers were covering a vacant post, raising concerns about fatigue and retention. Commissioner Shane Turney said he had "researched the salaries of police officers in the surrounding area" and noted "Trent Woods was already slightly higher," and asked why the proposal was not part of the FY 2026-2027 budget.

Commissioner Dan Murphy said losing another officer would "put the Town in a bind" and moved that the board increase the entire department by "a 2-grade increase on the Trent Woods pay scale and it be effective in the next pay period." Commissioner Billy Joiner seconded the motion, which the board approved unanimously. The board did not list a separate roll-call vote in the minutes; the meeting record reports the motion "passed unanimously." Present officials listed in the record were Mayor Charles F. Tyson, Jr., Commissioners Shane Turney, Billy Joiner and Dan Murphy; Brenda Reece (Finance Officer), Holly Willis (Town Clerk) and Chief David Oglesby were also present.

Finance Officer Brenda Reece told the board that a newly hired officer could not be paid the same as a seasoned officer under the current pay structure, underscoring a constraint in hiring at existing salary levels. Chief Oglesby said he would promote from within if higher-ranking positions became available to provide advancement opportunities.

No members of the public attended the special meeting. The board adjourned at 5:20 p.m.