LIVERMORE FALLS — A new contract for Livermore Falls Police Department officers was approved following a closed door session Monday evening, July 29. The contract took effect July 1.

The base pay for someone without Maine Criminal Justice Academy training is $25.55 per hour in year one and $26.47 in year two, according to the contract provided by Town Manager Carrie Castonguay. Steps are provided for officers with academy training: $27.05 in year 1, $28.13 year 2, $29.21 year 4, $30.29 year 6, $31.37 year 8, $32.44 year 10 and $33.51 year 12, per the contract. Sergeants will also be eligible for pay steps with this contract, which notes $33.52 in year 1, $34.22 year 2, $34.97 year 4, $35.74 year 6, $36.51 year 8, $37.27 year 10 and $38.02 year 12, the contract indicates.

In July 2023, selectmen approved a $4.50 an hour bonus to help retain police officers. According to the Sun Journal article, officers without academy training were making $20.34 per hour at the time while those with training were getting $21.34.

On Aug. 5 Castonguay said the previous contract did not include steps, just a raise.

The new contract for patrol officers and supervisors ends June 30, 2025.