City Council Approves Proposal For Citywide Salary Increases

FOREST PARK, Ga. — Feb. 22, 2022 — In a unanimous decision during yesterday's general meeting, the Forest Park City Council voted to approve a detailed proposal that raises the pay for all full-time city employees.

The proposal, which was presented to council by Forest Park City Manager Dr. Marc-Antonie Cooper, ICMA-CM, includes a 15 percent salary increase for public safety personnel, as well as a 7 percent or greater pay raise for all other employees. Additionally, the vote establishes that no individual employed full time by the city will earn less than $17 per hour.

"In order for us to continue the progress that we have generated over the last four years, it is important that we do everything we can to take care of those same individuals who carry out our mission and vision each and every day," said City of Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA. "And although we always wish we could do more, it is our hope that these pay increases show just how much we truly value our employees."

The outlined increases are expected to add roughly $1.29 million to the city's fiscal budget. City officials plan to use the additional funding for more public safety personnel, higher starting salaries and raises for existing employees — all items aimed at improving recruitment and retention efforts.

Currently, the City of Forest Park employs more than 220 individuals. Based on the proposal, the new starting salary for police recruits will be raised to approximately $46,600 annually. Firefighters and emergency medical technicians/paramedics hired by the city will receive a starting salary of nearly $46,200 per year.

"Being able to attract top-tier talent helps pave the way for efficient planning, objective data-driven decisions and the flexibility to meet the needs of our community," said Cooper. "We applaud the council's decision to move forward with this proposal, as these pay increases will provide our employees with a livable wage and allow us to offer competitive wages that are comparable to other employers in our market."

The citywide salary increases go into effect immediately. For more information about current job openings with the City of Forest Park, visit www.forestparkga.gov/hr.