Council approves salary supplement for Metropolitan sheriff

The Metropolitan Council committee approved a resolution to increase the salary supplement for the Metro Nashville sheriff, moving the supplement from about $224,298 to a proposed minimum of $275,597. The motion passed unanimously.

Supporters framed the increase as a response to expanded ex officio duties placed on the sheriff's office. Council member Suarez cited state statute as part of the legal rationale, saying the sheriff can be paid for "ex officio duties" and noting additional responsibilities such as running the workhouse and providing security for metro buildings. Sheriff Darren Hall, who introduced himself to the committee, described the sheriff's office as "a unicorn in this situation" — a state constitutional office operating outside the metro pay plan — and argued the supplement is necessary to reflect the modern duties asked of the office. "The difference between my pay and the police chief was about $12,000 when I started; today it's $100,000," Hall said, urging support to prevent agency decline.

Shannon Hall, Metro's human-resources director, told the committee HR will include elected-official supplements in an upcoming pay study and noted that HR has limited authority over state constitutional officers. Council members including Wiener, Gadd and Bradford praised the sheriff's expanded programs — including behavioral-care efforts and security for public buildings — as further justification for the supplement. The committee approved the resolution on a recorded voice vote; chair announced the item passed with 11 in favor, 0 against and 0 not voting.