Board approves retention bonuses and pay increases for Maricopa County detention officers
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Summary
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on June 11 unanimously approved retention bonuses and pay increases for detention officers in the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and funded an extradition aircraft, actions the sheriff called a major investment in staffing and efficiency.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on June 11 unanimously approved a retention bonus package and pay increases for detention officers in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and provided funding for an extradition aircraft.
The board took the action after asking Sheriff Jerry Sheridan to speak about staffing needs. “I was grateful to the board for the tens of millions of dollars that you are investing in the employees of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office,” Sheridan said, thanking supervisors for support and noting the aircraft will increase transportation efficiency for prisoners.
The vote came after Supervisor Debbie Lesko moved to consider items 49 and 50. Lesko explained her vote and defended the pay increases as a tool to retain and recruit detention officers, saying the county must show appreciation for law enforcement and keep officers on the job. Supervisor Steve Gallardo echoed Lesko’s comments, calling the package “a perfect plan” and thanking the sheriff for his service. Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee also voiced gratitude for the sheriff’s work. A statement from Chairman Thomas Galvin — read into the record by a board member — described the package as “a significant investment” intended to increase compensation for in-demand positions and promised further work on pay for sworn deputies and dispatchers during the county budget process.
Roll-call recorded votes during the item indicated unanimous approval by the supervisors present: Supervisor Mark Stewart (aye); Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee (aye); Supervisor Debbie Lesko (aye); Supervisor Steve Gallardo (aye). Chairman Thomas Galvin was absent.
The sheriff described the new aircraft as providing a smoother, higher-ceiling ride for pilots and inmates and said he would continue to work with the board on legislative fixes and additional staffing issues.
The board did not adopt further, immediate directives tied to the package during the public record beyond the approvals and the promise of continued budget work; Galvin’s statement said the board intends to address pay for other public-safety positions later this month when considering the overall county budget.
