Lincoln is advertising for two more police officers to increase the number of full-timers on duty from five to six, officials said.
The city’s police and fire committee on Tuesday voted to recommend a salary of nearly $42,500 for newly appointed Police Chief Russell Morphis and to add the sixth officer.
Morphis, longtime assistant police chief and school resource officer, was picked from a field of 11 candidates earlier this month to replace Chief Jim Acker, who retired while citing the heavy workload at all hours as a reason.
Morphis’ promotion results in an annual pay hike of about $3,500, said Chuck Wood, the city’s public works director.
Morphis has named Cpl. Tony Lee as the acting assistant police chief and the committee has recommended that the city council approve Lee’s promotion, said Mayor Rob Hulse.
Hulse said he expects the city council to approve the 2010 budget with the pay increase for Morphis and funding for the new officer.
By adding the sixth officer, the city can cut down on its overtime and part-time salary expenses and provide some double coverage during peak times, Hulse said.
“This is something we’ve been talking about for a year or year and a half,” Hulse said. “We want to provide the highest-quality service.”
The city needs to hire two police officers because no one new was hired after Acker retired, Hulse said.
Hulse also expects the council to support Lee’s promotion.
“Tony has done a great job. He’s earned the opportunity,” Hulse said.