COLTS NECK – A public hearing has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 28 at the municipal building on an ordinance that proposes an increase in the base salary of police officers in Colts Neck. Residents may comment on the ordinance at that time.
The Township Committee introduced the ordinance on March 14. The legislation is related to a new contract between municipal officials and the Colts Neck PBA that was signed in February.
The base salary for a police officer for the length of the contract has increased from $36,865 to $42,000. The salary structure is divided into 16 pay grades; 14 pay grades for patrolmen and a pay grade for corporals and sergeants, with the sergeants’ pay grade being the highest.
The highest possible pay grade for a patrolman would increase from $102,739 to $109,309. The highest possible pay grade for a corporal would increase from $106,973 to $113,671. The highest possible pay grade for a sergeant would increase from $113,599 to $120,497.
In addition to the salary increase, there would be a section for an annual education incentive. Officers who have an associate’s degree would be eligible for a bonus of $700 per year. Officers who have a bachelor’s degree would be eligible for a bonus of $1,500 per year. Officers who have a master’s degree would be eligible for a bonus of $2,400 per year. Officers hired after Jan. 1, 2012 will not be eligible for incentive bonuses unless they qualify for the master’s degree bonus.