Frederick County officials debate sheriff salary increase amid fiscal concerns

The FRD Committee Session held on January 31, 2025, focused on discussions surrounding the salary of the Frederick County Sheriff, particularly in relation to the salary of the State's Attorney and the Chief of the Frederick Police Department. The meeting, attended by various delegates and senators, aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of the sheriff's compensation in light of current fiscal conditions and public sentiment.

The session began with Sarah Folan presenting salary figures for the State's Attorney, noting that 80% of the salary would amount to $178,566, while 85% would be $189,726, and 90% would reach $200,008.87. The consensus among committee members leaned towards establishing the sheriff's salary at 85% of the State's Attorney's salary, suggesting that this figure would be more equitable when compared to the police chief's compensation.

A significant point of discussion was the potential for tying the sheriff's salary adjustments to any raises or cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) received by the State's Attorney's office. Folan indicated that while adjustments could be made, they would likely need to occur at the beginning of each four-year term, rather than annually. This proposal received support from several delegates, who expressed a desire for a structured approach to salary adjustments.

Delegate Kerr raised concerns regarding the comparison between the sheriff and the police chief, emphasizing the difference in their employment status—where the police chief is appointed by the mayor and can be dismissed, while the sheriff is an elected official with job security. He also pointed out that Frederick County is nearing a population threshold that could lead to the establishment of a countywide police force, which could further complicate salary comparisons.

Delegate Boucher highlighted the current fiscal crisis affecting both the state and county, urging caution regarding any proposed salary increases for elected officials. He stressed the importance of being sensitive to constituents' financial struggles, particularly in light of rising inflation and utility costs. Boucher argued that implementing a significant raise for the sheriff could send a negative message to the public, especially since any changes would not take effect until the next term.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for further deliberation on the sheriff's salary, balancing the desire for fair compensation with the economic realities facing the community. The committee plans to continue discussions and consider the implications of any proposed salary adjustments in future sessions.