During the recent Mesquite City Council meeting on July 19, 2025, discussions centered on public safety pay and budgetary considerations, highlighting the city's commitment to ensuring competitive compensation for its police and fire personnel.

City officials revealed that approximately 50% of the city's budget is allocated to fire and police services, with personnel costs making up 90% of that portion. The council is actively exploring ways to align Mesquite's public safety pay with that of comparable cities, as current figures indicate that Mesquite's police officers earn about $3.29 less than the average base pay in a seven-city comparison, while firefighters are $143 below the average.

The meeting included a detailed analysis of pay structures across various ranks within the police and fire departments. For instance, while Mesquite's police sergeants are $177 below the average base pay compared to similar cities, they are $342 above the average when considering a broader range of cities. Firefighter pay comparisons showed similar trends, with some ranks earning above average in certain contexts.

Council members discussed the complexities of establishing a fair pay plan, noting that many cities employ different methods for determining pay scales, including mid-year and annual step increases. Mesquite's current step plan extends to seven years, which places it in a competitive position compared to other cities.

In addition to pay discussions, the council reviewed employee benefits, noting that Mesquite offers a low-cost health plan for employees, which is favorable compared to other cities in the region.

As the city moves forward, officials emphasized their goal to enhance public safety compensation while balancing other budget priorities. The council's ongoing efforts to refine pay structures and benefits aim to attract and retain quality personnel, ultimately benefiting the community's safety and well-being.