Valerie Jordan advocates for increased pay for corrections officers in Fayetteville

Concerns over staffing and pay at the Franklin County Jail took center stage during the recent County Commissioners meeting, as community members urged for immediate action to address high turnover rates and inadequate salaries for corrections officers.

Valerie Jordan, a Fayetteville resident, passionately advocated for better funding and support for the jail, highlighting the critical role it plays as a social service. She pointed out that the county is facing a staggering 75% turnover rate among staff, attributing this issue largely to low pay. "You want to retain people once you train them," Jordan emphasized, noting that the costs associated with training new employees are significant when they leave for better-paying opportunities elsewhere.

Jordan also referenced a recent recommendation from the salary board to increase the warden's pay by $6,000 annually, questioning whether this adjustment would be enough to retain staff. She compared local salaries to those in neighboring counties, suggesting that Franklin County's pay scales are not competitive enough to keep trained personnel from leaving.

In her remarks, Jordan shared a personal story about her own experiences with employment and the changing value of wages over time, underscoring the need for the county to reassess its compensation strategies. "We need to pay our county people better," she declared, urging the commissioners to take action to improve the situation for both staff and inmates.

The meeting also included a brief discussion on the consent agenda, which was approved without further debate. As the commissioners move forward, the pressing issue of jail staffing and compensation remains a critical topic for the community, with residents like Jordan advocating for necessary changes to ensure the well-being of both employees and those they serve.