Benton County commission approves 5% pay increase for full‑time sheriff’s department and jail employees

Benton County commissioners approved a five percent cost‑of‑living pay increase for full‑time employees of the Benton County Sheriff’s Department and county jail at their Aug. 19 meeting, directing $114,836.80 from the county’s unassigned fund balance to cover the raises and associated payroll costs.

The resolution, sponsored by Commissioners Debbie Bain, Rocky Presson, Sonny Hall and Jerry Price, set starting pay for uncertified deputies at $20.00 an hour and for certified deputies at $21.25 an hour. The Law Enforcement Committee offered an amendment to limit the increase to full‑time sheriff’s department and jail employees; a second amendment corrected clerical line‑item entries. After the amendments, the commission approved the resolution on a roll call vote of 14 Ayes, 1 No (Commissioner Miller), and 3 Absent.

The resolution lists detailed line‑item allocations across dozens of payroll and benefit accounts to implement the increase and funds the changes from the county’s unassigned fund balance. Supporters said the increase is intended to help recruit and retain qualified law enforcement staff; the resolution text cites retention and public safety as reasons for the raise.

Because the appropriation was approved and the commission specified line‑item funding, county payroll staff will apply the increase per the approved accounts. Commissioners did not tie the raise to additional conditions beyond the funding and scope set in the amended resolution.

Motion to approve the amended resolution was moved and seconded during the meeting; the final recorded roll call was 14 Ayes, 1 No, and 3 Absent.