Oliver County approves raises and immediate hire for sheriff's deputy

Oliver County commissioners voted to authorize pay increases for current sheriff's deputies and to hire an additional deputy immediately following a discussion of payroll impacts and donor funding. The commission considered two cost scenarios presented by county staff and approved the option the board summarized at the meeting.

"The very first one... would be $80,005.47," the HR person said while reviewing a scenario that included wage increases and payroll burdens. Commissioners and staff also noted an alternative package of about "$71,001.46," which includes wages, FICA and retirement costs.

Commissioners emphasized internal equity, saying a new hire should not be paid more than longer-serving deputies. After debate on midyear versus year-end adjustments, one commissioner moved to implement the increases as discussed and to proceed with hiring; a second was made and the motion carried. The roll call recorded affirmative votes and the chairman announced "Motion carries."

Staff said a private donation would cover part of the new deputy's pay for the rest of the year and that accounting staff would determine how the donation should be invoiced and recorded. The commission asked payroll to process approved changes for the next pay cycle and to include any further wage evaluations during the annual budget process.