Council raises part-time police pay to $22.50 and adopts flex-time policy allowing up to 8 hours per week

The Marion City Council unanimously approved two personnel changes proposed by staff: a pay increase for part-time police officers and a revised flex-time policy for eligible employees.

Police Chief Slater recommended raising part-time pay to help recruit and retain officers. A council member moved to increase part-time officer pay by $2.50 to a total of $22.50 per hour, effective immediately; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Separately, staff proposed a revised personnel policy to permit department heads to approve up to eight hours per week of flex or remote administrative work for qualifying employees. The policy replaces the existing policy and requires publication before it becomes effective; staff proposed an annual review after adoption. The council moved to adopt the revised personnel policy (revised section T7) with the addition of an annual review. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff said publication will follow and the policy could take effect about a week after publication, with March 1 discussed as a target start.

Next steps: staff will publish the revised policy per statutory requirements and monitor use, reporting back as part of the planned review.