Galesburg Aldermen approved incentives for recruiting officers to the Galesburg Police Department.
Staffing shortages that have plagued departments around the U.S. have left GPD 7 officers short of what the council has budgeted.
The incentives would give new officers a $2,000 sign-on bonus, and an extra $2,000 per year for up to 4 years.
That means a new officer could earn up to $10,000 in bonuses potentially.
The program sunsets in two years, at which point the council can evaluate if they want to continue.
Aldermen also approved purchasing a new lawnmower for the greens at Bunker Links, the city-owned golf course for $67,000.
Interim City Manager Wayne Carl says it will take almost a year before the machine can be delivered. That’s why the council is approving the purchase a year ahead of the expected end of life of their current mower.
