St. Paul chiefs warn pay gaps risk retention
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry and Fire Chief Butch Inks say they now earn less than their potential pensions and below market for their roles, as the city raised non‑union manager salary ranges by 9% in Dec. 2024 but has not moved managers within those ranges pending union negotiations. Henry earns $207,688 and Inks $201,968, while the new top ranges would be $226,387 (police) and $220,147 (fire); Henry cites a city job study suggesting about $256,000 as market. Mayor Melvin Carter acknowledges budget pressures — including a $7.5M lawsuit payout, cyberattack costs, and threatened federal funding — and proposed limited raises as top police and fire staff consider unionizing.
📌 Key Facts
- City increased salary ranges for non‑union managers by 9% (effective Dec. 2024) but has not adjusted individual salaries pending line‑staff negotiations
- Current salaries: Police chief $207,688; Fire chief $201,968; top of new ranges would be $226,387 (police) and $220,147 (fire)
- Managers received 1.8% COLA in Dec. and 1.6% in June; Henry says market rate for police chief is ~ $256,000 per a city job study
- Mayor Carter cites fiscal pressures: $7.5M excessive-force judgment, ongoing cyberattack costs, and threatened federal funding; proposed levy increase capped at 5.3%
- Top police and fire staff (excluding chiefs) are exploring unionization amid pay concerns