Wichita Falls city officials announced significant pay increases for city employees during the Special City Council Meeting on August 12, 2025. The council approved a 10% pay raise for fire civil service employees, an 8% increase for police civil service employees, and a 6% increase for all other city employees. These adjustments aim to enhance competitiveness in recruitment and retention, addressing a notable pay gap compared to peer cities.

City officials highlighted that many positions, particularly in fire and police services, remain behind average pay rates—firefighters are currently 18% below average, while police officers are 10% behind. The city plans to conduct a compensation study next year to identify further opportunities for improvement.

In addition to salary increases, the budget includes investments in employee training and tools, such as uniforms and equipment, to enhance job performance and professionalism. Notably, the city is reducing the vesting period for retirement benefits from 10 years to 5 years, aligning with common practices in similar cities.

New positions have also been added to support employee relations and operational needs, including an employee relations coordinator and a wildfire coordinator. While the budget reflects a commitment to employee welfare, city officials acknowledged that many requests from various departments could not be accommodated due to budget constraints.

The council's decisions are expected to foster a more competitive work environment and improve service delivery to the community, reinforcing the city’s commitment to its workforce and the residents they serve.