Washington County approves temporary interlocal agreement and pay changes for Sheriff’s Office

The Washington County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary interlocal resolution and modifications to Sheriff’s Office compensation at its March 3 meeting in Roper.

Chief Deputy Arlo Norman told the Board that recruiting and retaining law enforcement personnel remains difficult and that training requirements have increased — “LEO’s used to have to have 640 BLET hours, now 800 hours are needed,” he said — while pay has not kept pace. Norman reported three open deputy positions and three vacancies in detention, ongoing detention repairs, a steep load of Animal Control calls in 2024 (776), and expanded training needs for telecommunicators.

County Manager and County Attorney Curtis S. Potter said the temporary resolution is intentionally narrow; items such as vehicle and equipment wear-and-tear will be included in the longer interlocal agreement. Commissioner Ann C. Keyes said she objected to removing a 2.5% COLA for deputies who had worked during the year but ultimately supported the plan as presented. Commissioner John C. Spruill moved to approve RESO 2025-003 and the interlocal agreement; the Board approved the motion unanimously.

Spruill then moved to adopt proposed compensation modifications for Sheriff’s Office personnel, effective Feb. 16, 2025, and directed staff to prepare a revised salary schedule. The motion carried unanimously.

The Board did not specify an implementation timeline beyond the effective date for the pay modifications and noted that a comprehensive interlocal agreement will address equipment replacement and other longer-term items.

The Board moved on after approving the resolution and salary-schedule direction; no dissenting votes were recorded.