The Scottsdale City Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to public safety, unanimously adopting a new Public Safety Compensation Philosophy that ensures the city’s police officers and firefighters remain among the best compensated in the region.

Under the new policy, Scottsdale will keep sworn police and fire pay within the top three of benchmark cities in the local market. The city will also conduct annual salary studies and make adjustments as needed to maintain its competitive edge.

The new compensation philosophy builds on previous City Council actions that created step pay plans for sworn police and fire personnel and introduced incentives such as longevity pay. Together, these efforts reflect a long-term strategy to attract and retain highly skilled professionals who keep Scottsdale safe.

Police Chief Joe LeDuc appreciates the City Council's ongoing commitment to those who serve.

“I want to thank the City Council and city manager for their continued support of our officers and their recognition that the foundation of any vibrant and healthy city is public safety," said Chief LeDuc. "This commitment to keeping Scottsdale’s police officers in a leading market position ensures we can retain and hire the very best and reflects a deep understanding of the value our men and women bring to this community and their care for those we serve every day.”

Fire Chief Tom Shannon shared his appreciation for the Council’s continued leadership.

“We’re grateful for the Mayor and City Council’s steadfast support of our fire fighters,” Chief Shannon said. “This latest action affirms our shared commitment to excellence and ensures we can continue to attract and retain the best firefighters to serve our community.”

City Manager Greg Caton said the resolution represents both a practical and philosophical investment in the city’s future.

“The City Council continues to show unwavering support for our employees,” Caton said. “This resolution reaffirms that support, which has created an amazing employment culture where we attract and retain the best employees in the market.”

The City Council’s action was approved at the Oct. 21 meeting. The full details are available in Resolution No. 13525, posted at ScottsdaleAZ.gov.