Shreveport officials announced Tuesday that the city will accelerate a proposed 3% salary raise for about 1,000 municipal workers, rather than waiting until March 2027. The decision follows concerns raised by City Council members on Monday that police officers and firefighters would receive raises on Dec. 1 while many other employees would have to wait several months.
Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark told The Center Square that the accelerated timetable will cost the city roughly $180,000 in 2026 and $360,000 in 2027 across all funds. He said the additional money could be drawn from the city’s proposed 2027 budget, allowing the raise to be funded without creating a new revenue source.
“The accelerated timetable will present a challenge to our HR and Payroll staffs,” Dark said, adding that the departments have assured him the change can be implemented, especially given the lead time now available.
More than 400 employees identified as underpaid in a recent compensation study remain scheduled for additional raises on Jan. 1, 2027. Those workers will receive slightly larger increases because the new pay rates will be calculated on top of the 3% raise already approved for the earlier group.
The administration plans to inform the council of its support for the accelerated raises on Tuesday. The city’s Human Resources Board is set to meet on Nov. 9 to approve a new pay chart that reflects the updated schedule.
City Council members expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the move as a step toward equity among city staff, while others cautioned that the added expense could tighten the city’s fiscal outlook. Dark acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the city’s overall budget remains balanced and that the raise aligns with the administration’s commitment to fair compensation for public servants.
Shreveport residents stand to benefit from the faster implementation of higher wages, particularly in departments that have faced recruitment and retention challenges. By moving the raise forward, the city hopes to improve morale and reduce turnover among essential workers who keep city services running smoothly.
What’s next: The Human Resources Board will convene on Nov. 9 to vote on the new pay chart. If approved, the 3% raise will take effect on Dec. 1, 2026, with the additional $180,000 and $360,000 costs reflected in the city’s 2026 and 2027 financial plans.
Sources: ktbs.com
