Item 353/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Jany Lee
Dept:
City Manager Dept: Human Resources
Date: 8/25/2026
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution approving an amendment to the Salary Schedule for the addition of the Police Recruit classification and compensation, and other miscellanoues changes. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
To obtain City Council approval to establish a single -step salary of $40.99 per hour, place Police Recruit on the City’s full -time salary schedule, make other miscellaneous changes to the Salary Schedule, all effective August 29, 2026, and approve the attached amended salary schedule in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5 which requires governing bodies of local agencies contracting with CalPERS to approve and adopt a publicly available salary schedule in accordance with public meeting laws.
BACKGROUND
Police Recruit is an entry-level classification where incumbents attend a basic police academy for approximately six months, and, upon successful completion of the academy, become eligible for appointment to a full -time sworn Police Officer position. The Police Recruit classification currently has a five-step salary range with Step A at $30.40 per hour and Step E at $34.80 per hour. Because Police Recruits are typically only in the position while attending the police academy, they generally do not remain in the position long enough to be eligible for advancement beyond Step A.
Over the last two decades, starting pay for Police Recruit has increased from $24.50 in 2006, to $26.10 in 2011, and most recently to $30.40 in 202 4. Even with top step of the current range at $34.80 per hour, rates have not kept pace with inflation nor remained competitive.
If approved, the City’s salary schedule must reflect any changes approved by City Council to remain in compliance with CalPERS regulations.
DISCUSSION
The Police Department currently has 16 sworn Police Officer vacancies. Two recruits are currently enrolled in the academy and are expected to fill two of these vacancies upon Item 353/2026
successful completion of the academy by the end of 202 6, leaving 14 true vacancies. The City’s recruiting efforts are ongoing, however , hiring qualified Police Recruits has become increasingly challenging in recent years, and Garden Grove is competing for candidates within a broader state and national recruit ment environment. Many agencies, including Garden Grove, are experiencing declining applicant numbers while also managing retirements and other departures, contributing to persistent staffing pressures.
A salary survey conducted by Human Resources compared Police Recruit salaries among two groups: the City’s ten comparator agencies, and 18 law enforcement agencies throughout Orange County. The results place Garden Grove at the very bottom of the market with the lowest rate of all ten comparator agencies and the second-lowest rate among all 18 agencies surveyed. At approximately 15% below the survey median, Garden Grove’s current rate creates a significant competitive disadvantage in attracting qualified Police Recruit candidates.
To improve the City’s competitiveness, staff recommends establishing a single salary step for Police Recruit at $40.99 per hour in Range O606. This represents an approximately 18% increase over the current top step of the range and places the City at the survey median. The proposed rate also maintains an appropriate differential of approximately 15% below the entry-level Police Officer rate. Additionally, placing Police Recruit on the full -time salary schedule will allow staff to regularly evaluate the rate for market competitivene ss and maintain an appropriate salary structure.
The proposed changes would establish a clearer and more competitive salary structure for Police Recruits and other classifications , therefore improving the City's ability to attract qualified candidates and support the timely filling of vacancies and staff retention . This alleviates staffing pressures and overtime demands, and helps maintain consistent service delivery.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed salary adjustment for Police Recruit would result in a cost increase of approximately $17,072 per position, comprised of $11,013 in salary and $6,057 in related fringe costs. The City has two Police Recruits currently enrolled in the academy, with the possibility of filling up to three positions toward the end of 2026. Existing appropriations and savings from vacant Police Officer positions are sufficient to absorb these costs; therefore, no additional General Fund appropriation is requested.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve a single -step salary of $40.99 per hour for the Police Recruit classification, place the classification on the City’s full -time Salary Schedule, and other miscellaneous changes to the Salary Schedule; and Item 353/2026
Adopt the attached Resolution that amends the Salary Schedule of the City of Garden Grove adding the Police Recruit classification , effective August 29, 2026.
By: Caitlyn Stephenson, Principal Human Resource Analyst
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. FT Salary Resolution 2026-08-25