The Scottsdale City Council has approved a proposal from City Manager Greg Caton to increase pay for staff in the city’s police communications and water operations departments. The move is intended to address persistent vacancies in these critical areas and help Scottsdale remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
The Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 13533, which introduces market-based pay adjustments for police dispatchers and water operations staff. The changes will take effect on November 2.
A recent review found that vacancy rates remain high, with about 36% of police communications positions and 14% of water operations roles unfilled. The city cited increased pay in other municipalities as a factor in these shortages.
“Dispatchers are the calm, capable voices our residents hear in their moments of greatest need, and our water operations staff ensure safe, reliable service around the clock, each and every day,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “These are mission-critical roles, and this plan makes sure Scottsdale stays competitive in attracting and keeping the people who perform this absolutely essential work.”
The approved plan will raise salary ranges for several positions in both departments. It also creates a new Police Communications Trainer classification to improve recruitment and training efforts. The pay adjustments for police communications staff will align with leading regional agencies, one of which recently filled all dispatcher vacancies after implementing similar changes.
Caton noted that the Council’s recent public safety compensation philosophy resolution, along with the new vacancy-reduction plan, reflects their commitment to the city’s workforce.
“Through these resolutions, the City Council is backing up our commitment to public safety, reliability and service excellence with meaningful action that supports our employees and our community.”
More information on the Council’s decision can be found in Resolution No. 13533 at ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
