City of Canyon looking to address police and firefighter pay with step-based plan

Over the past month, the City of Canyon has taken a hard look at the challenges facing its police and fire departments—particularly when it comes to retaining skilled and experienced personnel. In a series of work sessions, city leaders have focused on one central issue: updating the pay scale for Canyon’s police officers and firefighters.

Like many communities, Canyon has been grappling with staff turnover, losing an average of four police officers each year. That kind of attrition not only places a strain on the department but can impact public safety and morale. To combat this, the city is now exploring a step-based pay scale designed to offer officers and firefighters a clearer, more predictable path forward—both professionally and financially.

“Converting to this step-based plan, we can show these officers, hey, you’re on a step, it’s fully funded,” said City Manager Joe Price. “Here’s what you’re making as a starting officer, here’s what you’re making at three years, here’s what you’re making at five years.”

This approach, already adopted by other agencies, helps show current and potential hires that the city values long-term service and is committed to staying competitive with pay. In recent years, many local officers have left for higher-paying opportunities, including at nearby Pantex. The city hopes a more structured and competitive pay scale will encourage officers and firefighters to stay in Canyon for at least five years or more.

The effort, while still in its early stages, is a clear sign that Canyon officials recognize the urgency of the issue.

“This is the time of year that we address the budget,” said Mayor Gary Hinder. “And so the reason we’ve had two work sessions on this is because this is such a priority.”

At the latest work session, no final decisions were made. Instead, staff and officials explored various models, costs, and the potential impact on the city’s budget and taxes. It’s a careful balancing act: ensuring the city remains fiscally responsible while also investing in the people who protect and serve it every day.

Officials also acknowledge that this challenge isn’t new. According to Price, the issues around competitive pay date back more than two decades. “This didn’t happen yesterday,” he noted. “We’re just trying to work through it.”

The road ahead will involve further budgeting work and community input, but the commitment is clear: Canyon is working toward a fairer, more sustainable compensation system for its first responders.

As the budget process unfolds over the next few months, city leaders hope to refine the plan and begin taking real steps toward implementation.

Everyone, from the city council to department leadership, agrees on the goal: keeping the best and brightest in Canyon—and giving them every reason to stay.