COEUR D’ALENE – A review by the city of Coeur d’Alene says its public employees are paid more and have better benefits packages than their peers in other metropolitan areas across the state.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reported on Friday that employee pay at the city of Coeur d’Alene is roughly 12 percent higher above market for general employees in similar areas in Idaho.

Coeur d’Alene also pays 6 percent more for its police and 4 percent more for its firefighters.

The review was conducted by BDPA, Inc., a Boise- based human resources consulting group. The group compared pay and benefits for 76 positions in Coeur d’Alene to similar jobs in 11 markets including Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Post Falls, Kootenai County and Spokane.

Consultants say the higher pay can be partially attributed to the city’s commitment to 5 percent annual pay increases.