Stephenville City Council designates more than $1 million in salary increases for public safety.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

The Stephenville City Council took a big step forward Tuesday when it unanimously voted to designate $1,349,474 for across-the-board pay raises for city employees.

The increase to public safety took up the bulk of the money with $495,482 going to the Stephenville Police Department and $582,384 going to the Stephenville Fire Department.

“The city council met several times with both associations to listen to concerns and we were able to come together to increase salaries so they can continue to provide top-notch services to the citizens of Stephenville,” Mayor Pro-Tem David Baskett told Beneath the Surface News.

The city’s budget begins every year in October, which is when the raises will take effect.

Councilman Lonn Reisman, who is running for mayor against Baskett, said he voted to support pay increases as a way to “recognize the hard work and dedication of our city employees who serve our community.”

“With careful consideration of the city’s financial position, I joined my fellow council members in supporting the salary increases for city employees,” Reisman said.

“If elected, I will ensure any future salary reviews are conducted transparently and responsibly, while seeking input from all involved. I am committed to open communication as we move forward together.”

In February, the Stephenville Police Association began pressuring the council for raises, saying that low pay is keeping the department from hiring and retaining qualified officers.

In a Feb. 13 Facebook post, the SPA stated: “Our officers are compensated below Dublin, Erath County, Granbury, Hood County, Clifton, Bosque County and the list goes on. This low compensation is the direct cause of low staffing and poor retention of Stephenville Police officers.

“The citizens of Stephenville and the officers of the Stephenville Police Department deserve better.”

Read the full story here.

Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris called Tuesday’s vote a “historic salary increase for public safety personnel.”

“This will have a significant impact on our ability to recruit and retain qualified men and women who want to serve and protect Stephenville,” Chief Harris said.

“I am so thankful for the hard work of our city council, mayor pro tem, community members, our city manager and finance director, the leadership and members of the SPD and our POA.

“Top-notch law enforcement officers are highly sought after and face immense challenges every day as they put their lives on the line, being blessed by this budget will have a positive impact on the future of public safety in Stephenville.”

Stephenville Fire Chief Robert Isbell also expressed gratitude for the increase.

“We cannot express enough thanks to our citizens and council for their support of public safety,” Isbell said.

“This increase will make our department more competitive and help stave off any attrition to other departments that may pay more. 

“We have an incredible workforce in the fire department and we strive very hard in our selection process to bring on the very best candidates. Our employees are here for reasons beyond salary.”