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Raises likely for Morehead Police Officers/Dispatchers

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City of Morehead police and communications officers could soon be seeing a bump in pay.

That was among the topics discussed during the regular October meeting of Morehead City Council held Monday night.  The last item under new business for the evening was the first reading of an ordinance to adjust the City’s budget for the current fiscal year.  The adjustments include shifting $25,000 to hire performers for events in Morehead’s Entertainment Destination Center.  That’s in addition to using some CARES money to provide $2,500 stipends for communications officers who complete and maintain their emergency medical dispatch certification.  Then there are the raises:  a proposed $2.00 an hour increase for police and communications officers.

Councilmember Mike Kash says the staffing situation at the MPD is dire, with only three dispatchers working there currently.

The raises come in response to some preliminary findings in a wage study being conducted on behalf of the city comparing pay from the municipality to others of similar size.  But Mayor Laura White-Brown says these raises won’t bring department employees up to market level.

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Morehead Mayor Laura White-Brown

White-Brown says once the wage study is finalized, there will likely be phased-in across the board raises for essential workers and city employees.

A second reading of the budget amendment ordinance will take place during Morehead City Council’s regular November meeting.

Monday's City Council meeting can be viewed here.