LOS ALAMITOS : Police Get Raise but Aren’t Satisfied

Officers and other employees of the Police Department received a 5.4% salary increase Wednesday under a new, one-year contract that was praised by city officials but approved reluctantly by police representatives.

Police had sought an increase of 9%, according to Arl Farris, president of the police officers’ association, while the city originally offered 2%.

“Our pay is at the bottom end of the county, and we don’t feel our performance is at the bottom end of the county,” Farris said.

City Manager Robert C. Dunek said that the City Council was pleased with the department’s performance and that the salaries agreed upon are a reflection of what the city can afford.

“The council is proud of what the police do in this city,” Dunek said.

The contract, formally approved Tuesday night, covers the period between Nov. 5 and Oct. 30, 1990. The council had met in closed sessions during the last several meetings to hammer out the new contract.

Police officer salaries will range from $31,968 to $39,264 a year under the new contract. The old range was $30,324 to $37,248 annually.

The salary range for chief of police will be $56,916 to $72,900 under the new terms. The old range was $53,729 to $70,044.

Farris noted Wednesday that association members approved the settlement by the narrowest of margins earlier this month.