Council makes good, approves salary increase for police officers

In early April, the Ritzville City Council responded to Police Chief David McCormick’s request for an increase in base salary for police officers and sergeants working for the city.

McCormick sought the increase due to recruiting challenges he was experiencing, while attempting to hire a new police officer to fill the vacancy created when Hunter Klewin left the police force to become an Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy.

At that time, entry-level police officer working for Ritzville would be paid $614 a month less than their peer working for the sheriff’s office.

During the first council meeting in April, the city’s leadership agreed to increase pay up to $400 a month. They also agreed to establish standby pay up to $4.50 per hour.

Both agencies currently require officers to take standby time, which means the officer or deputy can be at home, not on patrol, but is immediately able to respond in the event there is a 9-1-1 emergency call.

The sheriff’s office pays $5.50 per hour for standby time. Ritzville Police Department pays nothing.

During the Tuesday, April 15, council meeting, a 2014 budget amendment ordinance was approved. The ordinance adjusts the city’s salary schedule.

An entry level Ritzville Police officer will now be paid $3,694 per month, a $515 a month increase. Entry level sheriff’s deputies are paid $3,793 per month.

The issue of standby pay hit a snag.

Following two finance committee meetings, council member David Grove reported that in order to establish compensation for standby time, the city’s personnel policy must be amended.

Mayor Linda Kadlec will chair the personnel policy committee while the matter is examined.

Also to be considered is whether or not the city’s public works crew should receive standby pay when they are on call on weekends.

On Tuesday, May 6, Kadlec reported the personnel committee is still grappling with the issue and did not yet have a recommendation for the city council.