Proposal to increase SPD salaries by 13.5%

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- At Monday's city council meeting, council discussed a potential 13.5% increase in Springfield Police Department salaries.
This increase would be specifically for sworn officers.
Ozarks First asked members of the community how they felt about the potential increase.
One person said they would support the increase if there was more information released.
Sheila Sharpe tells Ozarks First she understands what it's like to serve the public.
'I've worked in the public sector for all my life, and I feel like most of us are underpaid for what we do,' Sharpe said. 'We do it for the love of what we're doing and helping others.'
This ordinance would technically be an amendment to an agreement between the city and the police union.
The increase, if approved, would go into effect this July.
'I'm all in favor for that,' Sharpe said. 'I think people that do such dangerous work and put their lives on the line and help us in so many ways. I'm all for any increase in benefits or their salary.'
This ordinance is expected to be voted on in two weeks at the next city council meeting.
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