Sheriff's office asks county to raise starting pay for corrections staff to curb turnover

Sheriff's office representatives presented a recruitment and retention proposal for corrections staff, outlining pay and operational pressures in the county jail.

Adam Harrison (identified in the meeting as speaking for the sheriff's office) told commissioners the corrections division is understaffed (15 full-time positions versus a need for 17) and faces acute recruitment challenges because vetting requirements (including polygraphs and background checks) remove roughly 70% of applicants. Harrison proposed raising the entry pay from $16.67 to $18 an hour, which he said would increase overtime and salary costs modestly (about $2,746 per affected employee annually and roughly $48,690 total based on current staffing) but could reduce turnover and overtime outsourcing costs.

Harrison also reviewed equipment and training costs that have affected the department budget (including taser/Axon upgrades and a generator purchase with loan paperwork pending a serial number for insurance). He asked the commission to consider implementing the pay change Jan. 1, 2026, explaining payroll timing and noting the department would pursue internal sources of deputies where possible to retain corrections employees.

Commissioners asked about fiscal impacts and timing; county staff said 3% general pay increases were already budgeted and the requested change could be phased to align with budget cycles. No formal appropriation was enacted during the meeting; staff and the sheriff's office were directed to continue budgeting work and return with implementation details.