$5.7M bolsters public safety compensation

Cobb commissioners approved a new compensation plan that includes raises for public safety employees this week, in a bid to improve recruitment and retention of sworn personnel.

County officials said the new “step and grade” system, which increases pay and sets new rules for promotions, will cost county taxpayers an additional $5.7 million.

County spokesman Ross Cavitt said finance officials could not provide an esti- mate on the impact to the pension fund, but said it is expected to be “minimal.” Cobb’s pension system is only about 52% funded.

Public safety employees and their supporters have been packing public meetings for the past year, demand- ing better pay and benefits.

The plan adopted Tuesday night at the Board of Commissioners meeting was intended to address those concerns. But critics said the new plan doesn’t go far enough, particularly when it comes to “compression,” or diminishing returns for senior personnel.

Speaking before the board, Sheriff Neil Warren praised the new plan as “an outstanding move” and “long overdue.”

“The most important thing, besides getting through this first phase, is to continue this down the road,” Warren said. “It’s just something that’s got to be done so that we can maintain the quality of the law enforcement personnel that we need here in this county.”

The new plan was adopted by a vote of 4-0 with Commissioner Bob Ott absent.

Two commissioners who voted in favor of the plan voiced concerns about the potential impact to county finances.

Commissioner Keli

Gambrill said the county spent $21 million more on payroll than it collected in property tax revenue last year.

“My challenge to this board is: How are we going to make up not only that $21 million deficit, but the additional funds we’re now going to require for public safety, in addition to keeping the county viable?” she said.

Commissioner Lisa Cupid also sounded a note of caution, saying the plan could impact tax rates in the future.

Commission Chairman Mike Boyce has said he does not intend to change the tax rate this year. He called the new plan a “big moment” for the board.

JoAnn Birrell, the board’s public safety liaison, empha- sized the board’s commit- ment to supporting public safety going forward.

“Now we’re putting our money where our mouth is,” she said.

The new plan is scheduled to take effect March 22, and applies to police, fire and Sheriff ’s Office employees.

Starting pay will increase to $46,000 from $41,615. Similarly, all other pay grades for sworn personnel will be adjusted upwards.

‘My challenge to this board is: How are we going to make up not only that $21 million deficit, but the additional funds we’re now going to require for public safety, in addition to keeping the county viable?’ Keli Gambrill

Commissioner