During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the pressing issue of salary disparities among local law enforcement and corrections personnel. A member of the council expressed strong concerns regarding the compensation levels for deputies and corrections officers, highlighting that many are significantly underpaid compared to neighboring jurisdictions.

The council member pointed out that Henry County recently announced a substantial salary increase for its deputies, raising starting salaries from $49,000 to $61,000. This change was noted as particularly striking given the population and call volume differences between Henry County and Delaware County, where the demand for services is reportedly much higher.

The discussion emphasized that many local officers are earning nearly $2,000 below the external low for their positions, with corrections officers also falling short by approximately $1,200. The council member argued that the revenue generated by the local jail should support a fair salary adjustment, stating that failing to address these salary concerns would be a significant disservice to the personnel who serve the community.

Furthermore, the council member highlighted the impact of social media on recruitment and retention, noting that new recruits often discuss salary comparisons with peers from other departments that offer significantly higher pay. The sentiment expressed was one of frustration over long-standing issues of undercompensation, with a call for the council to take action to rectify the situation and respect the contributions of local law enforcement and corrections staff.