The City of Austin unveiled its pay package for police officers on Thursday, according to reports from Austin-based media outlets.
The announcement stemmed from an ordinance approved on Feb. 23 by the Austin City Council, Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
The city said the plan is three-fold as it seeks to pay and provide benefits in addition to working on retaining officers.
“This is a good day for our city and for the women and men of the Austin Police Department,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said, per KVUE. “We are delivering on our promises, and just one week after a council directive, the interim city manager has presented us with a substantial pathway to financially supporting the officers who serve this community."
KVUE reported that the package has nothing to do with the ongoing contract negotiations between city hall and the Austin Police Association (APA).
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that the plan, which was developed by interim City Manager Jesus Garza, calls for a 4% increase for all officers below the rank of assistant chief beginning Saturday, April 1; a new cadet incentive of a maximum of $15,000; and an increase in pay for officers on the cusp of retirement.
Per KXAN, a slew of pay – including, but not limited to longevity pay, field training officer pay and mental health certification pay – will continue under the plan.
“This plan demonstrates the commitment this city has to keeping its word and supporting our officers,” Austin Chief of Police Joseph Chacon said, the station reported.
Austin Journal reported earlier this month that Watson, who’s in his second tenure in Austin’s highest office after serving in the Texas Legislature, pushed back against Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s attempt to recruit police officers who are supposedly mulling retirement in the wake of an impasse in contract discussions.
Watson asserted that veteran Austin officers made more than their counterparts in Dallas, the publication reported citing KVUE.