Board hears sheriff‑backed detention pay changes: combine titles, add firearms stipend

Coconino County staff presented a sheriff‑supported restructuring of detention pay on May 15, 2025, proposing to combine Detention Officer I and II into a single detention officer title, set a $24 per hour entry level, preserve step increases for existing deputies, and add a $2,500 annual firearms stipend for certified officers.

Deputy County Manager Erica described the change as a “squish” of the two titles to create a clearer career ladder and to remove a promotion barrier tied to firearm certification; she said the consolidated title and step structure would allow officers to progress even if they do not carry firearms. Erica explained the plan would place current employees into the new steps nearest their existing pay and then give a law‑enforcement step increase (the sheriff’s pay plan provides 4% step movement when the board approves a compensation action).

To fund the change in the jail district budget, the sheriff’s office proposed ending the law‑enforcement incentive program for new hires; existing participants would be grandfathered. Under the current incentive program the county places funds in an investment account for new hires with a vesting schedule and limited use (including a home‑purchase loan against the account). County staff said the incentive has not been broadly used and that revising or ending it creates fiscal capacity to support higher entry pay for detention.

Supervisors discussed public safety and recruitment needs; several voiced support for the detention pay changes and asked that culturally appropriate inmate services and facility conditions be addressed in parallel. No formal board vote occurred; the plan was presented for inclusion in FY 2026 jail district budgeting and will return with budget language and placement rules for current employees.