Public commenters and county leaders pressed Anderson County commissioners on recruitment and retention in law enforcement and emergency medical services as the budget committee adopted the county’s 2026–27 budget calendar and guidelines.

Colt Jennings of Clinton told commissioners the sheriff’s office is “underfunded by at least $6,000,000” and urged a 30% pay increase for deputies rather than the 15% raise the sheriff later requested. Jennings also urged lower employee health‑insurance costs and new equipment including body cameras and modern patrol rifles.

Why it matters: Commissioners said public safety is a top priority but emphasized budget limits and competing needs across county departments. Finance staff said a 15% increase had been estimated at about $2,000,000; commissioners asked department heads to provide written, itemized justifications for any significant increase and discussed non‑salary retention tools such as sign‑on bonuses.

Sheriff (unnamed) spoke in favor of a 15% across‑the‑board increase for deputies and corrections staff, saying it would help the county be competitive with neighboring jurisdictions. Several commissioners agreed public safety pay warrants priority while noting the problem built up over many years and will not be solved immediately. Commissioner Beauchamp asked sheriff leadership to return with three pay scenarios (large, medium, small) and Commissioner Palmer asked for specifics on what patrol officers and jail staff need to retain personnel.

Commissioners also raised EMS staffing concerns. One commissioner described an emergency response in her neighborhood and urged consideration of EMT pay and retention; staff noted starting EMT pay around $16 an hour had contributed to hiring challenges. Committee members suggested including EMS and all public safety requests in budget hearings and exploring temporary reallocation of funds or targeted incentives to stem turnover.

What’s next: The committee adopted the budget guidelines and tentative calendar by voice vote and directed departments to present clear written explanations for any requested increases. No formal salary increases were approved during the meeting; pay decisions will be considered during the forthcoming budget hearings.

Quotes: "The sheriff's office is underfunded by at least $6,000,000," Colt Jennings said during citizen appearance. Sheriff (unnamed) argued a 15% increase would move pay toward competitiveness. Commissioner Beauchamp asked the sheriff to present three pay scenarios for patrol and corrections positions.

The committee adopted the calendar and guidelines and will take up specific departmental pay requests during the scheduled budget hearings.