Alachua County commission backs midyear pay step to ease sheriff's pay compression

Alachua County commissioners unanimously directed staff to work with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office on a multi-year salary plan and approved a midyear 3.8% step adjustment to help relieve pay compression, with the sheriff authorized to fund the raise from existing department balances retroactive to Feb. 1, 2025.

The move followed a presentation by Sheriff Chad Scott and department leaders who said pay compression and regional competition for officers were driving staffing shortages and high vacancy rates in both patrol and the county jail. Sheriff Scott told the board the department needs competitive wages to retain experienced deputies and avoid —low morale by having compression issues.—

Scott Bonifide, president of the North Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, told commissioners the Sheriff's Office must offer market-rate starting pay to attract and keep officers. "If we want safer neighborhoods and well equipped deputies who can handle the complexities of modern policing, we must be willing to invest in them," Bonifide said.

Patty Justice, chief financial officer for the Sheriff's Office, gave the board a cost estimate and funding plan, saying the department could cover the midyear 3.8% adjustment from lapsed salary and other balances for the remainder of fiscal 2025. Justice said the —net cost we would find from within through September 30, if we did it retro to February 1, is $930,000.— She also noted an earlier allocation already in the department's budget reduced the additional amount needed.

Board members discussed broader, longer-term targets the sheriff had mentioned, including a phased goal to raise starting pay to higher levels in subsequent budget cycles. Commissioners said they supported moving quickly to relieve compression but repeatedly cautioned that any further multi-year commitments must be weighed against uncertain future property-tax revenues and potential state-level changes that could affect county finances.

Chair Chuck Chestnut said the commission would work with the sheriff and county budget staff during the 2025-26 budget process on a multi-year plan. Commissioner Alford formally moved, and the board voted unanimously to: - Direct county staff to work with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office on a 5-year salary plan and on options for the 2025-26 budget; and - Support the sheriff's use of department funds to implement a 3.8% step increase retroactive to Feb. 1, 2025, with the expectation that the sheriff and staff will coordinate on how that advance interacts with the next fiscal-year pay decisions.

The board recorded the vote as unanimous. Commissioners said they want a clear five-year path that balances recruitment and retention needs with county fiscal constraints.

What's next: Staff will return with budget scenarios and a proposed multi-year approach for the board to consider within the regular 2025-26 budget cycle.