LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Tuesday, the Little Rock Board of Directors discussed the 2024 budget before voting.
While most of the budget seems to be in order, one stipulation has the directors split – whether to increase their salaries.
City police and fire personnel will see salary increases next year. The Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police (LRFOP) just got done negotiating what their pay increases will look like.
Officers in Little Rock will have starting salaries at $52,500, which is a 5% increase. Officers with more than 15 years of service will also see a salary increase of 4%.
"I think it's definitely going to help with recruitment," LRFOP President Ronnie Morgan said. "I think the nod to the senior officers will help with retention. It will help across the board."
The Little Rock Firefighters Union negotiated last year, resulting in a 1.75% salary increase in 2024.
There will also be a $2,500 recruit incentive for emergency dispatchers.
However, there is some controversy surrounding another group's potential salary increases.
Included in the budget are salary increases for the Little Rock directors. Right now, they get paid $18,000 a year. If they pass the budget as is, they will get paid $25,000.
Some directors said they would reject the budget if this were included. The mayor and city attorney are now working to split the budget and pay raises for separate votes.
The board is expected to vote on the budget next week.