Board narrowly approves amended sheriff salary schedule after heated debate

The Dodge County Board voted on March 17 to amend the sheriff’s salary schedule for the 2027–2030 term after a motion to reconsider the sheriff’s portion of Resolution 25-64 was approved earlier in the meeting.

Supervisor Bill Conway moved the amendment, saying it would "restore and maintain approximately a minimum of 6% base pay differential over the chief deputy position" to address compression and to reflect the sheriff’s responsibilities. The amendment specified fixed salaries: 2027 — $132,312; 2028 — $139,685; 2029 — $146,259; 2030 — $153,333. "The sheriff’s duties and responsibilities of the sheriff are much greater," Conway said, listing 911 dispatch, emergency management support and jail oversight as responsibilities the board should weigh.

Opponents said the board had already approved a salary package in a prior meeting and urged caution over budget impacts and comparability. "A month ago we met and discussed this thing and a super majority of this board approved the salary schedule that was amended and put before the body," Supervisor Guggenberger said, noting a prior 20–7 vote and asserting the prior package comparable to neighboring counties. Supervisor Belk cited state data, saying the average for elected sheriffs in Wisconsin runs roughly $95,000 to $122,000 and questioned the proposed increase in the context of county finances.

Corp. counsel clarified that the law requires each year’s sheriff salary to be a fixed amount set at the meeting; it cannot be left as a graduated or variable amount tied to the chief deputy’s pay. After debate, the amendment passed 14 to 12.

What it means: the amended salary figures will apply to the sheriff’s 2027–2030 term and will be reflected in next year’s budget, per discussion at the meeting. The board did not adopt additional changes tying the sheriff’s pay to the chief deputy; corp. counsel said the schedule must list fixed dollar amounts for each year.