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Committee approves flat adjustment and 3% schedule increases for sheriff and clerk of courts
Summary
Winnebago County's Personnel & Finance Committee approved a package to raise the sheriff's base pay by a flat $6,154 to correct a pay inversion with the chief deputy and to apply a 3% annual schedule increase to the sheriff and the clerk of courts; the measure passed by voice vote.
The Personnel & Finance Committee voted to set salaries for the upcoming four-year terms of the sheriff and clerk of courts, adopting a two-part package: a one-time flat adjustment to the sheriff's pay intended to match the chief deputy, plus an annual percentage adjustment going forward.
Staff presented compensation scenarios and recommended a flat increase of $6,154 to address a pay inversion (chief deputy earning more than the sheriff) and a 3% annual schedule increase thereafter. The staff analysis showed that the proposed combination would set the year-one sheriff's salary at approximately $138,092 under the chosen scenario. "The flat amount, 6154 would make them even," staff said during the presentation.
Supervisors discussed comparable county actions, internal promotion pathways, and how the change could affect recruitment and internal career progression for county law enforcement. Some supervisors urged caution about elevating an elected position too far above deputies; others said aligning pay supports internal promotion and retention.
After discussion a motion setting the sheriff's flat adjustment plus the 3% annual increase, and applying a 3% increase to the clerk of courts, was made, seconded and approved by voice vote (5–0).
Next steps: The committee's recommendation will be forwarded as part of the usual payroll and budget process.
