PHOENIX — Police dispatchers and water services staff in Scottsdale will see their pay increased, the city announced Wednesday.
The increase, which will be used to address staffing shortages in the departments, will see pay increased to market standards and will go into effect on Nov. 2, according to a city of Scottsdale media release.
“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,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “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 change was approved by the city council in Resolution No. 13533 on Tuesday.
What positions will see pay raises in Scottsdale?
The specific positions that will see pay increases are:
- Police communications dispatcher
- Police communications supervisor
- Police communications assistant manager
- Police communications manager
- Water/wastewater treatment plant operator apprentice
- Water/wastewater treatment plant operator I, II and III
- Water/wastewater treatment electrician I, II and III
- Water/wastewater treatment maintenance technician I, II and III
The resolution will also create a new trainer position in the police communications department.
Why is Scottsdale raising pay for police dispatchers, water services staff?
The city said the raises are needed to address shortages in the two departments.
Scottsdale would like to have 40 full-time police dispatchers, but currently employs only 25, and there are two supervisor roles open in the police communications department.
There were also 32 open positions out of 229 total in the water services department.
When looking to address the shortages, Scottsdale noticed that Gilbert had solved a similar problem two years ago in its police communication department by raising pay and had even hired five dispatchers from Scottsdale.
So, the city came up with this plan, which it estimates will cost about $700,000 over the rest of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
“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,” Caton said.
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