The Atlanta City Council unanimously adopted legislation to award a retention bonus to eligible members of the Atlanta Police Department (APD)
Pending approval of the Fiscal Year 2022 proposed budget, officers attaining three years of post-academy service will receive $2,500. Officers beyond those three years who are members of the “hybrid” pension plan adopted in 2011 will receive $1,200.
“I want to thank the Administration and Council for making this possible,” said Council member Howard Shook, who sponsored the legislation. “We know there have been a lot of resignations over the last year, and morale among those who thankfully still report for roll call could use a boost. Hopefully, this sends a meaningful message.”
The Council also approved legislation to amend the Fund Balance Policy subsection in the City’s Charter in order to increase the current appropriation for the City’s Public Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement account to 5 percent.
It ensures adequate annual funding for routine maintenance, repair and replacement of public infrastructure. This is the second and final adoption in full Council.
Additionally, the Council approved:
• An ordinance to amend the Public Property Vending Code to provide a process for establishing and removing designated food truck areas and to promote opportunities for small businesses and increase food access for underserved areas of the city.
• An ordinance to amend the City’s charter to designate the two youth serving organizations that will each appoint a member between 18-30 years old to serve on the Atlanta Citizens Review Board. As a charter change, three readings are required to adopt the ordinance. This is the first of two adoptions.
• A resolution to establish a working group to review, amend, and improve, but not consider the repeal of ordinance 18-O-1045 that instituted bail reform in Atlanta.
• A resolution authorizing the mayor or her designee to install a portrait of Bishop Barbara Lewis King at the Barbara Lewis King Interfaith Chapel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• An ordinance to amend the 2021 Intergovernmental Grant Fund Budget by adding to anticipations and appropriations in the amount of $191,000 on behalf of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department to fund the car seat fitting station program developed by the department.
