Baxter will move its police officers from compensatory time accrual to overtime pay.
Baxter Police Chief Al Reyes said he supports the changes. Reyes said the change will positively impact the officers.
“A happy worker is a productive worker,” Reyes said. “Obviously, we don’t have the funding to pay them like bigger departments, but then again, we’re a small town. And we give all we have to the citizens, and I appreciate all of the officers.”
Baxter Mayor Danny Holmes said the change will be easier for the city and the police department.
Reyes said officer satisfaction is a priority.
“It’s a morale issue, and I think the officers appreciate it,” Reyes said. “And they appreciate getting compensated for what they do. And I think overall, it benefits them more than the comp time. For me, if they’re happy, I’m happy.”
