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Commissioners approve pay bump for patrol deputy cadets and purchase of two mental‑health radios
Summary
The court moved cadet pay from the current step to $21.04 (presented as $70,190.53 annual equivalency) for patrol deputy cadets and approved buying two APX portable radios for mental‑health deputies from the corresponder fund.
Midland County commissioners approved a pay adjustment for patrol deputy cadets and a related equipment purchase after sheriff's office staff explained the change is intended to better compensate trainees during academy participation.
County staff said five cadets are currently in the academy and that the sheriff requested moving the cadet pay from the existing step (listed in the backup as $64,252.33) to an updated rate shown as $21.04, which staff presented as $70,190.53 in annualized terms. Staff told the court there is no contract requiring cadets to remain with Midland County after certification; cadets may apply elsewhere.
Commissioner 7 moved to increase the patrol deputy cadet salary to $21.04 and the court approved the motion. During discussion a commissioner said the shift is meant to recognize extra training and to encourage cadets to pursue sworn patrol positions rather than stay at lower‑paid roles.
Separately, the sheriff's office requested court approval to purchase two APX portable radios for mental‑health deputies using capital outlay funds from the corresponder program (purchase value above $10,000). The court approved allowing the sheriff to proceed with the purchase from the corresponder fund.
Why it matters: The pay adjustment aims to make academy training financially viable for recruits and to strengthen recruitment into patrol roles; the radios reflect an investment in equipment for deputies assigned to mental‑health calls.
No contract or retention agreement was put in place; staff said the county has not required cadets to sign a service agreement covering repayment or mandated service time.
