Council Approves New Pay Plan for Hannibal Police

A more fair and equitable pay plan is in the works for Hannibal Police Officers, after city council action Tuesday night.

City Manager Jeff LaGarce says the current pay matrix does not have adequate salary spread between the numerous ranks, and several years of little or no pay raises has resulted in situations where newer officers earn nearly as much as those with more experience.

The other issue was an officer promoted through the ranks to Lieutenant could top-out in salary in as little as 12 years, much earlier than most civilian employees.

The new longevity pay plan addresses both issues and takes effect July 1. LaGarce says the cost to implement it will be minimal - $3938 total above pay raises already recommended in the FY2016 budget.

The starting pay for a new police officer is just over $35,500.

In other business, the council approved a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for 2015-2020. City Manager Jeff LaGarce says the plan was well-balanced overall. The Planning and Zoning Commission had already approved the plan at its March meeting.

A Mutual Aid Agreement is approved which means the Board of Public Works can continue to receive and give assistance to any power provider member during utility emergencies. Director of Operations Heath Hall cited mutual aid received by the Hannibal BPW in 2012, when wind storms caused a massive power disruption.

Several upcoming events received the green light from the council:

• Shine a Light on Autism Lighthouse Challenge on April 18.
• Arts and Crafts Festival downtown July 2-5.
• Brew Revolution on Saturday, July 4 at the Bird and Main parking lot.
• 20^th Annual Hannibal Cannibal Race on July 4 in downtown Hannibal and along Highway 79.
• Autumn Historic Folklife Festival is scheduled Oct. 16-18. Hannibal Arts Council Executive Director Michael Gaines thanked the council for their continuing support of this extremely successful event.