Sheriff Tucker seeks wage increase to address deputy shortage in local law enforcement

The Duchesne County Commission held a meeting on April 14, 2025, where a significant focus was placed on addressing the urgent staffing challenges faced by the sheriff's office. Sheriff Tucker reported that the department is currently down ten deputies, attributing the shortage to competitive wages offered by other agencies and the oil industry. He emphasized the need for emergency funding to raise starting wages to $28 per hour, which would help retain existing employees and attract new hires.

Sheriff Tucker noted that Duchesne County has historically offered some of the lowest salaries in the region, and the proposed wage increase aims to position the county among the highest-paying agencies. He expressed concern over the department's ability to recruit qualified candidates, citing recent hiring efforts that yielded few applicants and numerous no-shows.

The sheriff's proposal includes a $5.05 hourly increase for current employees to maintain wage compression and ensure fairness within the department. He acknowledged the financial implications of this increase, estimating an additional $646,718 needed for the 2025 budget to accommodate the wage adjustments.

Clerk Nodrick supported the sheriff's proposal but raised concerns about potential overtime costs due to the current staffing shortages. She highlighted the importance of managing overtime carefully to stay within budget, as the increased wages could lead to higher expenses if not monitored.

The commission's discussions underscored the critical role of law enforcement in public safety and the necessity of competitive compensation to maintain a stable and effective workforce. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of addressing these staffing issues to prevent further turnover and ensure the safety of the community.