SPOKANE, Wash. – The City of Spokane has proposed a voluntary retirement incentive for eligible police officers and mandated that Cabinet members take two furlough days in order to address the budget deficit.
Mayor Lisa Brown’s administration has announced two cost-saving measures to stabilize the City of Spokane’s budget deficit and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to residents.
According to Mayor Brown, the proposal includes activating a voluntary retirement incentive for eligible members of the Spokane Police Department (SPD).
The proposal, which still requires approval by the Spokane City Council, originates from a clause in the City’s collective bargaining agreement with the unions representing Spokane Police officers. SPD leadership, the Spokane Police Guild, and the Spokane Police Lieutenants and Captains Association were consulted before proposing activating the clause.
Under the proposal, eligible officers must be 50 or older and have a combined age and years of service of 70. Those who apply by August 1, 2024, will receive a monthly payment of $1,000 and must retire by September 1, 2024. Applicants who apply by the second deadline of September 1, 2024, will receive $800 a month and must retire by December 31, 2024.
“Offering a retirement incentive is a win-win for our long-serving, dedicated police officers and the City of Spokane. This is a way for us to honor those who have served in the Spokane Police Department, while also creating significant salary savings for the City,” said Captain Steve Wohl of the Spokane Police Lieutenants and Captains Association.
In addition to this proposal, the Brown Administration has mandated that all Cabinet members take two mandatory furlough days before the end of the year, saving roughly $15,000 per day.
“Cost savings must occur to close the structural gap in the City’s budget. Every amount saved contributes to our overall goal of fiscally responsible budgeting while providing essential City services,” Mayor Brown emphasized.
