BENTONVILLE -- Entry-level Bentonville police officers will see a pay increase starting in July as the city tries to remain competitive with other local departments.

The City Council in May gave the OK to increase entry officer pay 22%, from $19.67 an hour ($40,914 a year) to $24 an hour ($49,920 a year).

In 2022, area police departments began an extensive review of their pay plans with the Springdale Police Department being the first to provide a substantial increase. The Springdale City Council voted on a resolution to add $2.29 million to its 2023 budget with a starting salary of $53,000. Other departments followed with Fort Smith and Fayetteville approving similar increases, according to a memo from Bentonville Police Chief Ray Shastid to Mayor Stephanie Orman and the council.

The city Human Resources and Accounting Department assisted the Police Department with the review of salaries, according to the memo.

Even though hiring in general has remained challenging post-pandemic, the city has been able to hire officers -- it just may take a little more time to fill positions, City Human Resources Manager Machele Bowen said.

"This change will help ensure we remain competitive in our wage structure to attract new personnel," Bowen said.

The city has six open police officer positions with 93 officers on staff, Bowen said.

The openings could be filled by either a police officer 1 (entry level) or a police officer 2 for officers who are certified and have previous experience,...

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