A salary plan that would help recruit and keep officers in Jonesboro is being sent to the Finance Committee of the Jonesboro City Council. Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliot says over 70 officers have left the department over the past five years to take higher paying positions at other agencies.
He proposed a three step plan to the Public Safety Committee of the Jonesboro City Council that would give officers “step raises” to raise salaries. Starting salary for patrol officers would be $34,500 under plan and would be increased every other year. Salaries for Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains, an Assistant Chief and the Chief would be higher and not be bumped as much due the higher salary.
Final approval of plan would be needed by the full Jonesboro City Council. No word when the full council will receive the plan.
