GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro officers could be in line for a pay bump.
The interim city manager shared his budget proposal for the upcoming year Tuesday night. He said he wants to raise the starting pay for GPD officers, Guilford Metro 911 operators, and firefighters.
That'd bring the pay from $55,000 to almost $60,000.
The city said it would offer the highest starting pay of other big cities like Charlotte, which starts at $57,000, or Raleigh at $50,000.
Greensboro leaders said the main focus over the last few years has been improving public safety position pay.
This is to make sure Greensboro remains competitive in recruiting and retention.
Since 2021, police and fire salaries have increased more than 30%.
"We had been very intentional over the last couple years, and I have to give a lot of credit to police chief Thompson. He really made his case. He actually talked about how we could go about financing these additional wages. Wages are very important but also what I've read that is important is that police officers want to know that the area they are in appreciate them. So in addition to wages, I think it's important for our community when you see public safety officers out and about, let them know that you are happy they are here in Greensboro," Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said.
GPD officers also received a big raise last year. The police department credits last year's raise with helping to eliminate large vacancy numbers.
The police department had 80 vacancies in 2023, now it has 60.
In the proposed budget, more emergency vehicles will be added to the fleet, and two new positions for the behavioral health response team as well.
The Greensboro City Council will hold a public hearing on the recommended budget on Tuesday, June 4.
City Council is expected to vote on the budget on June 18.
The new fiscal year starts July 1st.
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