Three members of the L.A. City Council voted against the agreement, arguing it is too expensive and will pull money away from critical city services.
The projected costs are sure to reignite the debate over police spending in L.A., months after Mayor Karen Bass unveiled plans to hire hundreds of new officers.The agreement’s collection of raises, benefits and other enticements are expected to consume nearly $1 billion over the life of the four-year agreement — a fact seized upon by opponents of the deal within City Hall.
Hernandez and Raman reeled off a list of services that they said are in need of more money — street lights, sidewalk repairs, building inspections, alley resurfacing and other city operations. The contract, which is retroactive to July 1, will boost the starting pay of officers by nearly 13%, while also providing four raises of 3% over a four-year period. Those increases would place LAPD starting salaries above $86,000 in the contract’s first year — higher than those in Pasadena, Long Beach and Burbank, but lower than those in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, according to city figures.
Bass thanked council members for their action, saying she looks forward to working with them on public safety. Meanwhile, LAPD Asst. Chief Dominic Choi said he believes the focus on higher compensation is already helping his agency with hiring.
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