EL PASO, Texas -- City of Socorro police officers could be getting a $5 pay raise this year in the hopes to recruit and retain more officers. For many years Socorro police officers have been at the bottom of the tier when it comes to salaries. But that may change because Socorro city council approved a proposal for to increase police officer salaries to $17.50 an hour.

The Socorro Police Department has about 27 full time officers. According to local statistics that's 3/4 of an officer per 1,000 residents. Mayor Trini Lopez said for many years the department has been between eight to 10 officers short.

"We had so much turn over with officers. We haven't been able to keep officers. Once they're in for one or two years, they go to agencies that are paying more," said Lopez.

Lopez said the city of Socorro is growing and the department needs to start offering competitive salaries in order to recruit more officers.

According to a salary comparison chart put together by city staff, currently, a Socorro police officer makes $12.85 an hour, while a police officer in Horizon City makes $13.77. An El Paso police officers makes $17.05 hourly and a Socorro Independent School district police officer makes $17.36.

"I think it's low. I mean, some people might be managers at McDonalds' and almost get paid $12 an hour," said Dennis Klos.

The city of Socorro is not raising taxes. Lopez says council will now have to adjust the budget in order to allocate enough funds to the pay raises. But some residents wonder if that money should be spent in other areas.

"Everything else like roads and parks would be great for Socorro. There's a lot of things that are needed, it's hard to choose," said Juan Rubio.

Lopez said $1.5 million has already been allocated for street improvements and that won't be touched. He said only $170,000 will have to be amended from the budget for the salary hike.

"We have money in the general fund which can be used for situations like this. If we need more money we have money in he bank to cover any extra expenses that we're gonna do in the next year," said Lopez.

The pay raise of $17.50 won't go into affect until the budget is adjusted and after two public meeting are conducted.