DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The Dallas City Council voted Tuesday to approve a budget that includes pay raises for first responders.
The $1.3 billion general budget brings a base salary of $60,000 for Police and firefighters. The raises are nearly $10,000 higher than what was initially considered in the budget proposed by the City Manager. Some council members in favor of the pay raises say the money will make the Dallas Police Department more competitive with neighboring departments in recruiting.
“I spoke with Dallas Police Chief Hall and Fire Chief Coatney about what they wanted,” said Councilman Ricky Callahan. “They both said the starting pay, the starting pay.”
Councilman Lee Kleinman voted against the measure, citing recent Police arrests.
“In a time right now when out community is really hurting, when our community is in the streets asking for justice,” said Kleinman. “It just does not seem appropriate to award that kind of behavior with an increase across the board.”
The raise comes just over a week after Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger allegedly shot and killed a black man inside is apartment after mistaking his apartment for her own. The vote passed 11-2.
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