Top members of Tacoma police force to get 7% raises next year, after council approval
The Tacoma City Council unanimously approved 7% raises for high-ranking members of the Tacoma Police Department this week. Starting next year the deputy police chief, assistant police chiefs, police captains and lieutenants will be paid at least about $6 more an hour, according to city documents.
It’s a change as a result of a collective-bargaining agreement negotiated with the Tacoma Police Management Association, Local 26, and the Professional Public Safety Management Association, according to city documents.
The ordinance passed with eight votes in favor and none opposed Tuesday night. Council member Sarah Rumbaugh was not present at the meeting.
Of the 21 affected full-time employees, the salary changes will cost the city an estimated $1,736,000 from 2025 to 2027, according to a fiscal impact memo. That money would come out of the general fund.
Who is getting raises?
Prior to the approved raise, police lieutenants made between $84.50 and $88.72 an hour. Starting in 2025 they will make between $90.42 and $94.94 an hour, according to the ordinance.
Police captains make between $97.17 and $102.03 an hour but starting in 2025 will make between $103.98 and $109.18 an hour, according to the ordinance.
The assistant police chiefs make between $112.81 and $130.59 an hour, and will make between $120.72 and $139.75 an hour starting in 2025.
The deputy police chief made between $121.27 and $140.39 an hour and starting in 2025 will make between $129.78 and $150.23 an hour, according to the ordinance.
Under the ordinance captains and lieutenants will also be eligible for an increased merit raise from $4,250 to $5,450 each year. Local 26 members will see increased tuition reimbursement as well, from $15,000 to $20,000 per year.
The merit-raise provision is expected to cost the city $25,000 more per year. Funding increases will be incorporated into the 2025-2026 proposed biennial budget and the 2027-2028 proposed biennial budget in the future, according to city documents.
The City of Tacoma approved a general fund budget of $641 million for 2025-2026, with 63% of that funding directed to support community-safety efforts like fire suppression, 911 dispatch and patrol services, as previously reported by The News Tribune. The budget includes $3 million to support police overtime as well.
