Mayor Jim Ireton is seeking a $4-thousand annual hike for the pay of the rank-and-file officers in the Salisbury Police Department.
The pitch is part of an effort to reduce the number of officers now leaving for better paying jobs.
This would be the first raise for the force in 9 years not counting cost-of-living adjustments.
The Salisbury Daily Times adds it would be the first hike of any kind in four years.
The announcement comes just as the City Council is set to review police staffing today…with police Chief Barbara Duncan and Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matt Maciarella.
Duncan noted in a statement on Friday that the department has lost four seasoned officers to area law enforcement agencies and another to a profession with better pay and lesser workload.
The pay for city officers is $36,500 while surrounding towns like Ocean City and Pocomoke City are paying above $40-thousand a year.
Council Vice President Debbie Campbell asked for the discussion saying she hoped to find a good solution that enhances public safety.
