San Bernardino City Council OKs hikes to police and fire salaries

The City Council's approval of salary increases for members of the Police and Fire Departments on Monday will require San Bernardino officials to dig into budget reserves to make payroll obligations.

The pay increases were mandated by a City Charter formula. The pay hikes were divided into a trio of agenda items.

The first action increased pay for Police Department commanders. In total, the council's action is expected to cost $128,500 in general fund money. Police Chief Michael Billdt, slated to retire in March, will see his monthly salary increase from $15,770 to $16,975.

The second decision raised pay for high-level Fire Department personnel. The cost expected cost is $66,300 from the general fund. Fire Chief Michael Conrad's monthly pay will increase from $14,982 to $15,675.

The third action hiked pay for the Fire Department employees ranging from new firefighters to captains. The expected cost is $483,400. According to the city's Human Resources Department, there is not enough budgeted money to cover this expense so $226,900 will be pulled from the city's savings to make up the difference. The move will increase the monthly pay of the city's lowest paid firefighters, excluding trainees, from $5,088 to $5,187.