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Dunwoody approves pay hike, inducements for police employees
Residents plead for resolution on drug treatment center ban
By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com
By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council approved a sweeping set of new benefits for its Police Department, including a 10 percent mid-year pay hike and $10,000 signing bonus for new officers. The pay increase was unanimously approved at a meeting July 24, following months of discussion about how the city can recruit and retain more police. Officials said the city has increased police salaries six times since 2021 to stay competitive in the region. “The city has regularly reviewed the compensation of public safety and other staff to recruit and retain top talent for our community,” City Manager Eric Linton said. “This increase is significant. It reflects our commitment to public safety and keeping Dunwoody competitive in a challenging environment.” The starting pay for a Dunwoody police officer with a high school degree and no experience was raised to $56,970, and an officer with a bachelor’s degree and five years’ experience will be paid $68,544. Raises go into effect Aug. 1 and will be in addition to the 4 percent pay raise officials approved in early 2023. The Police Department also offers a host of other benefits to new and existing employees, including a $10,000 signing bonus, a take-home vehicle program and a $800 a month housing stipend for officers living in the city.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Residents and area community leaders packed Dunwoody City Hall July 24, to share stories of addiction, substance abuse and recovery prior to a vote extending the city’s temporary ban on new addiction treatment facilities. Dunwoody issued a moratorium on drug rehabilitation centers in February after city staff recognized conflicts in Dunwoody’s zoning ordinance. A new ordinance fully defining residential substance abuse treatment facilities was set for discussion at the City Council’s first meeting in July, but the matter was tabled upon recommendation of City Manager Eric Linton. City staff have asked for seven more months to study the issues surrounding treatment centers before crafting an ordinance. “Since Dunwoody is still a young city, staff recognized that our code did not provide clear zoning expectations for drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and other facilities for the treatment of drug and alcohol dependency,” Dunwoody Communications Director Jennifer Boettcher said. “The temporary moratorium gives staff more
PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA
Above, dozens gathered at Dunwoody City Hall July 24, to speak against extending a ban on new substance abuse treatment facilities in the city. Speakers included recovering addicts and caregivers, who shared personal experiences with the City Council. At right, Dunwoody resident Tom Hetrick speaks in favor of lifting the ban, which has been in place since February.
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