City of Fountain Inn Raises Pay for Police Officers
February 7, 2023
Many businesses are experiencing hiring or staffing challenges. Law enforcement agencies across the country including here in South Carolina are feeling the impact as well. With the job of keeping our towns and cities safe, it’s imperative that local agencies remain competitive to attract and retain top talent.
On February 6, 2023, the City of Fountain Inn City Council unanimously voted to approve raising Police Officer salaries at a special called City Council meeting. The motion was put forth by Mayor George Patrick McLeer Jr. and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem and Ward Four Councilmen Phil Clemmer.
“Today we are providing our Fountain Inn Police Department with a much-needed boost to help retain and recruit top talent in order to keep our community safe every day,” said Mayor McLeer. “It’s no secret that Police Departments across the nation, including right here in our corner of South Carolina, are competing every day for this top talent. Fountain Inn must stay competitive.”
The proposal, spearheaded by City Administrator Shawn Bell, Assistant City Administrator Naomi Reed, and the City of Fountain Inn’s Human Resource Director Rebecca Mejia-Ward, is the first step in recruiting and retaining the best talent available to serve the City of Fountain Inn. Beyond that, the approved proposal shows the city’s commitment to supporting our growing police force, which serves our expanding community daily. Police Chief Michael Hamilton leads the City of Fountain Inn’s Police Department. Starting pay for uncertified officers goes will now range from $15.50 to $19 an hour. The pay raises for City of Fountain Inn Police is effective immediately and retroactive to January 15.
In his comments to City Council, Mayor McLeer indicated that they will continue to search for ways to elevate the Police Department, and every City department, to prepare for the future, not just through budgetary measures, but also in policy, practice, and culture across our organization.
McLeer acknowledged the work of Fountain Inn City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, and HR Director for their work on the proposal as presented and he expressed gratitude to City Council members for their support of the proposed increased and the police department overall. He also thanked Fountain Inn Police Officers, led by Chief Hamilton, for keeping Fountain Inn safe and welcoming, every day and every night.
Click HERE to read the full plan.
