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Sheriff asks commissioners to fund five sworn positions, pay‑grade boost and first Axon AI payment in FY27 budget
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Summary
The Worcester County Sheriff requested five additional sworn positions (including an internal‑affairs investigator), conversion of two part‑time deputies to full time, a one‑grade pay increase for all sworn personnel and capital/software increases, including the first $250,000 payment toward an Axon AI bundle.
The Sheriff’s Office asked Worcester County commissioners to approve a FY27 budget that would raise requested revenues by $108,910 and requested expenditures by about $2.4 million to address staffing, retention and technology needs.
“We are asking for 5 additional sworn personnel that would include 1 internal affairs investigator and 4 deputy sheriff positions,” the Sheriff said, arguing those roles are “essential to maintaining accountability, supporting operational demands, and ensuring adequate patrol coverage across the entire county.” He also requested converting two part‑time deputy positions to full time and converting a corporal position to sergeant to improve supervision.
On compensation, the Sheriff asked for a targeted personnel adjustment: “we are proposing a 1 grade increase across the board for all sworn personnel,” to be applied before cost‑of‑living or step increases as a recruitment and retention measure. The presentation also proposed $500 per specialty pay, capped at $1,000, for about 41 sworn instructors, to compensate ongoing certification and extra responsibilities.
Budget detail in the presentation listed several significant cost increases: a $265,250 rise for software maintenance and agreements reflecting account realignment and a $250,000 increase tied to the first of four payments for an Axon AI bundle to align with existing body‑worn camera and fleet contracts. Capital requests included $200,000 for three additional vehicles and $104,500 in public safety equipment and related upfits.
Commissioners asked for operational context about the number of marked vehicles that residents see; the Sheriff explained the department has multiple divisions (patrol, school resource deputies, judicial services, court deputies) and that marked vehicles may be in circulation for varied non‑patrol duties. On logistics, the Sheriff said some new vehicles could be repurposed from existing fleet if positions are approved.
Next steps: the Sheriff closed by asking commissioners to support the compensation and personnel initiatives as strategic investments in public safety; commissioners will review the requests in upcoming budget work sessions.
