CMPD requested pay raise could cost $21.8M in taxpayers' money

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers want a 15 percent raise that would cost taxpayers $21.8 million.

“You're either the employer of choice or you're the employer of last resort,” said Council member Tariq Bokhari, R- District 6.

The Fraternal Order of Police also wants to reduce the number of steps for top pay from 13 to seven, which would cost $1.1 million this year and $3.6 million the next year.

A test program to give 150 officers take-home cars would cost $7.7 million.

The FOP also wants to restore retiree health care for employees hired after 2009, which would cost the city $63.2 million by 2047.
"Hearing from members that they want 15 percent across the board, that is a great idea," said Council member LaWana Mayfield, D-District 3. "I want a 15 percent raise across the board too, but here is the reality, we are government."

Council member Ed Driggs suggested allowing employees to invest in a retirement health care fund while employed.

Bokahri agreed with that and floated a compromise -- a 5 percent raise and reducing the steps to top pay from 13 to seven.

Nothing will be officially decided by the city council until after the city manager presents his budget, which will be in May.

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