MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Marion City Council convened on Monday evening and made a significant decision regarding the pay of Marion City Police Officers and Supervisors. The council voted in favor of a 19.5% pay increase for these individuals. The breakdown of the increase includes a $2.50 market adjustment on January 1, 2024, followed by increases of 4.5% on January 1, 2025, and 3% on January 1, 2026.
The negotiation of this offer was handled by David Garrick from the Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council. Garrick has been a consistent advocate for the Bucyrus Police Officers, Supervisors, and Dispatchers in their efforts to secure a new contract with the city of Bucyrus.
During the Bucyrus Council meeting, which took place on Tuesday, October 17, the City Council Chambers were filled with supporters of the Bucyrus Police Department.
Bucyrus Police Captain Tom Walker informed the council that Marion Police Chief McDonald had extended an open invitation to Bucyrus officers to join the Marion Police Department.
Chief Assenheimer also highlighted the wage disparity between Bucyrus and Galion. By 2024, Galion officers will earn $4.00 more per hour than Bucyrus officers, and dispatchers will make $3.98 more per hour than Bucyrus dispatchers.
However, Bucyrus City Council did not approve the contract, sending it back to the Mayor for further negotiation. As tensions rise, no agreement has been reached thus far.
David Garrick provided a comment to Crawford County Now regarding Marion’s vote of support for their police force. He stated, “Safety director Caryer and Chief McDonald recognized the dire importance of retaining and attracting the amazing police force in the city of Marion.”
Marion County Now will continue to cover this developing news story.