The Missouri City Police Department is receiving an increase in employee salaries and incentives after City Council unanimously approved to adopt the new pay structures during its May 18 meeting.

The pay increase is geared to help recruit new officers and retain personnel by offering competitive salaries.

“The pay plan approved by council was in line with their goal of developing a high-performing city team,” Chief Mike Berezin said. “The new pay plan now positions Missouri City on a level playing field with area cities for recruiting and retaining quality police professionals.”

The new pay structures go into effect June 28 and increase the police department’s budget by $1.4 million, according to city documents. Individual salaries will increase 2 percent as the pay increase totals $767,077 with benefits totaling $138,074. Overtime pay increases total $319,035 with benefits totaling $57,426.

Police certifications will also increase for Intermediate Peace Officer Certificate, Advance Peace Officer Certificate, Master Peace Officer Certificate, Instructor’s Certificate and SWAT Certificate. The overall increase totals $100,819.

The new pay plan was based on a commissioned compensation analysis headed by Segal-Waters Consulting.