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Sheriff asks commissioners for 15% raises for deputies as county budget review continues
Summary
Sheriff Mike Wilder asked commissioners to consider a 15% pay increase for deputies and a 10% raise for other sheriff's office staff to remain competitive with nearby agencies; commissioners acknowledged the request but deferred formal action to the personnel committee and budget process.
Sheriff Mike Wilder told commissioners the sheriff's office needs higher pay to compete for recruits and keep staff, asking for a 15% raise for deputies and 10% for other staff.
"One of the main things I am asking for that's kinda on me is a 15% raise for my deputies and a 10% for my other staff members," the sheriff said when introducing the office's budget. He said the request is intended to narrow the gap with neighboring agencies and private-sector competitors and that the sheriff's office had prepared the numbers with lieutenants.
Commissioners and budget staff pressed the sheriff's office for clarifications about which budget lines would absorb utilities at a new jail facility, and about overtime and staffing levels as the county moves to a new building. Staff said some figures are uncertain while the county transitions operations and that the jailer staffing plan will be evaluated in practice once the new facility is occupied.
The sheriff's request was not voted on separately at the meeting; commissioners said the personnel committee will continue work on targeted compensation decisions for public-safety positions and will weigh the sheriff's proposal against broader affordability concerns.
