Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sheriff Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve $8,001.02 monthly pay for acting sheriff while coverage continues
Summary
Benson County commissioners voted to pay the acting sheriff $8,001.02 per month while he performs interim duties; the vote followed debate about duties, prior salary steps, and time spent covering the office after the elected sheriff's resignation.
After extended discussion about coverage and responsibilities following a sheriff vacancy, Benson County commissioners voted to pay the acting sheriff a monthly amount of $8,001.02 while he serves as the interim officer.
Commissioners debated whether to pay a prorated sheriffs salary or a step-based amount. One commissioner proposed a figure in the Step 7 range; staff noted that an elected sheriff receives a monthly salary. The board settled on a motion "to pay the sum of $8,001.02 as a monthly salary during times he is acting sheriff," which passed on roll-call after an abstention was acknowledged and one commissioner voted no.
The motion followed comments that the acting sheriff had performed significant administrative and operational duties, including evidence handling, transport coordination and staffing the office during the transition. One commissioner said, "He's done probably six weeks' worth of stuff that the sheriff was not getting done down there," praising the interim work.
The board framed the payment as a temporary measure while the hiring/interview process proceeds; commissioners said they expect the interim arrangement to be short-term pending interviews for a permanent sheriff.
Next steps: The board approved the payment amount and directed staff to implement the compensation from existing budget lines; no additional hiring or appointment occurred at the meeting.
