Bedford City Council's recent work session on August 7, 2025, spotlighted significant changes to employee compensation and budgetary adjustments aimed at enhancing public safety services. A key highlight was the introduction of a new public safety step plan, which aims to make Bedford's police and fire departments more competitive in the job market.

The police chief advocated for a separate step for police recruits, currently grouped with full officers, to better reflect their training status. While the initial goal was to compress the officer step plan from nine to six steps, the council settled on a seven-step plan for this year, with hopes for further adjustments next year. Similarly, the fire chief sought to reduce the fire step plan from seven to five steps, which was partially achieved.

In addition to the step plan, the council approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees, a move that has been in discussion since the implementation of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) in 2009. This year's budget includes a non-retroactive COLA set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with an estimated impact of around $400,000 on the general fund.

The meeting also addressed challenges related to health insurance costs, with the city transitioning from Aetna to Cigna, which resulted in a decrease in rates. However, employees will face an increase in their contributions for the first time in seven years, a decision that was met with some concern.

The council discussed the implications of a proposed tax rate increase, which would raise the rate from 0.495726 to 0.5068, a move necessary to maintain revenue levels amid flat property values and inflationary pressures. This increase, while difficult, is seen as essential for funding ongoing services and personnel costs.

Overall, the council's discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing employee compensation and public safety while navigating the complexities of budget management in a challenging economic environment. The anticipated outcomes include improved recruitment and retention of public safety personnel, as well as a more sustainable financial framework for the city moving forward.