BRECKENRIDGE — At Breckenridge Town Council’s special work session Tuesday, the general fund budget was presented and included a proposed increase for the pay of police officers in Breckenridge.
Breckenridge Police Department Chief Jim Baird told council members the department is struggling to retain officers. Baird said he has lost 10 officers since he became chief in April 2018, with some going to other municipalities in the county. All positions in the Breckenridge police force fall within a $54,000 to $80,000 pay range.
The chief asked for a 12.8% increase in the police department’s budget for 2020, which would move all police officers up from their current pay grades to the next pay grade. Council members agreed the budget increase was necessary.
“I hope it’s enough,” council member Erin Gigliello said. “This isn’t a place where I personally want to skimp.”
Town manager Rick Holman remarked that pay of police officers is a critical issue and that the police department is not something the town can do without.
“You get what you pay for,” council member Jeffrey Bergeron said.
Council members approved the budget increase.