TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
Jeffrey Yates, ICMA-CM, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Roberto E. Bryan Jr., Chief of Police
Taylor Floyd, Budget & Evaluation Director
DATE: September 28, 2026
RE:Title
Accept and Appropriate $644,285 from the State Bureau of Investigations for one-time law enforcement bonuses Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Safe and Secure Community
Executive Summary:
Session Law 2026-41, Section 41.3(a), enacted July 7, 2026, provides a one-time $1,750 bonus to eligible local law enforcement officers employed on June 30, 2026. City Council is requested to accept $644,285 in state funding and adopt Budget Ordinance Amendment 2027-8 to fund the bonus payments and associated employer costs.
The City must also provide $29,925 for the required 5% employer contribution to eligible officers’ 401(k) plans. This contribution will be funded through the Police Department’s existing operating budget.
Background:
Session Law 2026-41, Section 41.3(a), enacted July 7, 2026, establishes a one-time $1,750 bonus for qualifying local sworn law enforcement officers employed on June 30, 2026.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is responsible for distributing the funds to eligible local governments for payment to qualifying officers. Based on the State’s eligibility criteria, the Fayetteville Police Department has identified 342 eligible sworn personnel.
City Council’s acceptance of the funding and approval of the associated budget amendment will appropriate the funds and allow the City to pay eligible officers as close as practicable to October 15, 2026, consistent with the legislation.
Issues/Analysis:
N/A
Budget Impact:
The recommended budget action increases revenues and expenditures by $644,285 for the state-funded officer bonuses and associated employer costs. The City’s required $29,925 employer 401(k) contribution will be covered within the Police Department’s existing operating budget. Although no additional City appropriation is requested, this contribution represents an unplanned use of previously budgeted resources.
Options:
1. Adopt Budget Ordinance Amendment 2027-8 to accept and appropriate funding for local law enforcement bonuses.
2. Do not adopt Budget Ordinance Amendment 2027-8 and provide further guidance to staff.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Accept and Appropriate $644,285 from the State Bureau of Investigations for one-time law enforcement bonuses.
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Attachments:
Budget Ordinance Amendment 2027-8
Local Law Enforcement Bonus Program Memo