Jacksonville, Al – The Jacksonville City Council has voted to approve pay increases for all city employees. A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase of 2.5% will apply to all city employees across the board and first responders will also receive a hazardous duty pay increase.
Jacksonville Police Chief, Marcus Wood, said “I am very happy with the city council’s decision to help us remain competitive in this area,” referencing that other agencies have also recently approved pay increases for their police departments. Full time APOSTC certified police officers will receive a $2,600 per year increase, $1,300 per year increase for full time corrections officers, and $650 per year for part-time officers. Also included in the hazardous duty pay are the City of Jacksonville fire fighters who will also receive a $2, 600 per year pay increase.
The Jacksonville Police Department currently has 34 sworn police officers, 4 correctional officers, and 5 full time dispatchers. Chief Wood believes that Jacksonville is a “great place to be a police officer” because the city cares about its employees. Chief Wood also discussed the benefits package that his officers have access to once they are approved. Insurance through Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama for actual employees is free (City pays full amount), and only $125 per pay period for family coverage (City pays the difference). Vision care through Humana CompBenefits is also free for employees, or they can choose vision insurance through Southland for a cost of $12 per month for employees and $20 per month for families. Dental insurance through Southland is offered to employees at a cost of $44 per month, and life insurance is free for a policy of $25,000, and an additional $25,000 for accidental death. Additional life insurance through Retirement Systems of Alabama (one year salary paid to beneficiary).
Chief Wood stated, “I like working with the city council because they listen to us. They all come into meetings with open minds and will evaluate honestly and fairly.” The Jacksonville Police Department is currently accepting applications for all positions and updates their police officer physical agility test on their official Facebook page for anyone interested. “We strive to make sure we are competitive with other agencies in the area to make sure our officers know we care about them,” stated Chief Wood.
