21 News continues to report on local police departments that are losing officers over low pay.

This is a theme at Youngstown Police Department, but officials are making changes.

Youngstown City Council agreed to pass a police union contract that increases starting wages and allows officers to move up the pay scale in 10 years instead of 12.

According to Police Chief Robin Lees, starting wages will go from $14  per hour to $16 per hour.

"Hopefully, it is going to lure some new candidates in, and those people who are thinking about criminal law enforcement, to consider Youngstown a little differently than they had," said Lees.

In comparison, YPD will remain on the lower end of the pay scale.

The Akron Police Department told 21 News their starting salary is about $38.00.

Even with the new pay increase, Youngstown's starting salary will be about $30,000 a year, not including overtime.