Muncie planning for police and fire salary raises to compete regionally

Through separate union agreements, both police officers and firefighters in Muncie would see a 10 percent salary increase in 2024.

Jason Chafin is union president of Muncie Firefighters Local 1348.  He says Muncie’s fire department is the state’s busiest, per capita.  But for pay, they are 79th out of about 115 departments.

“Using 2023 statistics, we’re going to be 26th.  And that’s a big jump,” he said.

The new union agreement for firefighters also includes a lateral transfer program for both firefighters and paramedics.  Chafin says the department is hoping to now be the one enticing qualified employees from other places.

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Brandon Qualls heads the Gregg Winters Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87 in Muncie. He says the department has seen a “steady, drastic decrease” in applicants over the last few years.

“This last hiring process that we put forth, there was only one candidate that came out of it.  And then, he didn’t accept our offer and went to another agency that pays more.  So we did an entire hiring process and got nobody out of it.”

Deputy police chief Chris Deegan says the increase should put base pay several thousand dollars above other local law enforcement agencies.

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Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour says to pay for the salary increases, the agreement reduces vacation and sick days to impact overtime numbers.  Fire and police administration will help pay for part.  And Ridenour says he hopes increased tax revenue from recent development will help.

Both union agreements have been ratified by police and fire employees.  Now the Muncie City Council needs to consider them, beginning at the September meeting.

Ridenour says the agreement is only for one year, because of this year’s mayoral election. If the increase passes the council and begins in 2024, a new agreement for 2025 and beyond will be negotiated.