Sheriff Tanner advocates for Beaufort County deputy salary increases to combat retention issues

During the Beaufort County Council Budget Workshop held on April 9, 2025, a significant focus was placed on the urgent need to address the compensation and retention of law enforcement personnel in the county. Sheriff PJ Tanner highlighted the challenges faced by the sheriff's office in attracting and retaining deputies due to competitive salary disparities with neighboring agencies and the rising cost of living in Beaufort County.

Sheriff Tanner, who has a long history with the sheriff's office, emphasized that the current starting salary for deputies is $52,345, which falls short compared to other law enforcement agencies in the region. For instance, the starting pay at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is $58,000, while the Town of Bluffton offers $56,000 for new officers. This gap has led to a concerning trend where deputies are leaving for better-paying positions, with six deputies reportedly transitioning to Bluffton in the past year alone.

The sheriff pointed out that the lack of annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) since 1999 has compounded the issue, causing the compensation plan to lag behind the increasing living expenses in the area. He noted that the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Beaufort County can range from $1,800 to $2,200, making it difficult for new recruits to afford housing.

To combat these challenges, Sheriff Tanner proposed a plan to raise the starting salary to $60,000, which he believes is necessary to attract quality candidates and retain existing staff. He suggested implementing a 3% COLA alongside the salary increase to ensure that the compensation remains competitive and fair.

The discussion underscored the broader implications of law enforcement salaries on community safety and service quality. As the sheriff's office competes not only with local agencies but also with federal jobs and the private sector, the council's decisions on budget allocations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of law enforcement in Beaufort County.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the pressing need for the county to reevaluate its compensation strategies to ensure that law enforcement personnel are adequately supported, which in turn will benefit the entire community. The council's forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in addressing these challenges and enhancing public safety in Beaufort County.