Committee approves amendments to 2026 compensation schedule, reclassifies DA staff and raises sheriff pay steps

The Saratoga County Human Resources and Insurance committee approved several changes to the county's 2026 compensation schedule, including a reclassification in the district attorney's office and multiple pay placements in the sheriff's office.

The committee reclassified Melina Jojo from a "non confidential secretary" to an "executive assistant" to reflect expanded duties, after the district attorney said Jojo "wears so many hats in our office and picked up the slack for so many. She kinda functions essentially as, like, a chief of staff, so I'd like her title and, role to reflect what she actually does." The motion to amend the classified position was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The panel also authorized creating two new payroll clerk positions in the sheriff's office to handle oversight and auditing of payroll. Administrators said litigation and the county's implementation of a new Kronos timekeeping system have increased payroll complexity. The packet lists an estimated cost for the remainder of the year as $90,852.80. "Partly litigation is driving this," an administrator said, arguing the positions are needed "ASAP" to meet payroll requirements and the Kronos rollout.

Separately, the committee approved multiple pay placements in the sheriff's office effective July 2026: placement of the under sheriff at the management grade/step shown in the packet (motion moved by Roger Richardson and seconded by Roger Anderson), placement of the chief deputy at grade 19 step 9 (packet figure cited as $131,510), and placement of the corrections administrator at grade 19 step 6 (packet figure cited as $122,769). The committee also approved placing all sheriff's captains at the same step (step 12, packet figure cited as $124,709). An administrator described the captains' change as "a bit of a philosophical change" to pay by position rather than strictly by seniority: "In a paramilitary organization such as the sheriff's department, you should be paid for the job you're doing, and it's not based on seniority."

Most motions were carried by voice vote; on several sheriff pay items a committee member identified as "Gary" was recorded as opposed.

The salary and classification changes take effect July 3, 2026, where the packet specified that date. The committee did not detail follow-up implementation steps beyond the effective dates included in the packet.

What happens next: These amendments will be reflected in the county's 2026 compensation schedule and implemented by the county human resources and payroll offices. The committee discussion referenced law and finance subcommittee review and the Kronos system rollout as background context.