It's no secret that local police departments have been struggling to attract candidates to the force, mainly for low wages.

Now that the Youngstown Police Department has increased pay for officers from a little over $34,299 dollars to $43,680 dollars, they're looking to advertise for positions.

Their plan is to use $23,710 dollars in American Rescue Plan money to get the word out, but council members feel it's not quite time for advertisement yet.

Councilman Jimmy Hughes tells 21 News the police department has made a significant jump with the recent pay raise, but believes it's still not enough.

Hughes says there are other local law enforcement offices with starting wages higher than that of Youngstown and even they still struggle to bring people in.

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Green tells 21 News his officers make about $47,800 dollars, that's just over $4,000 dollars more than Youngstown officers.

While it's stopped some from leaving the sheriff's office for higher paying jobs, it has not attracted new candidates.

Hughes feels Youngstown police should consider other options instead of advertising.

Youngstown police officials declined to comment on the subject, but their civil service exam for new officers will be given on April 23.