Morgan County commissioners consider using opioid-settlement funds to bolster sheriff pay; no final vote recorded

Morgan County commissioners debated on June 18 whether to shift opioid-settlement funds to the sheriff's budget to increase deputy pay and improve retention, and discussed setting new starting wages for certified and uncertified deputies.

The discussion centered on a proposal to use opioid-settlement money to pay a portion of one deputy position’s salary and benefits, freeing local general-fund dollars to be applied across the department. A motion was placed on the floor to allocate half of one deputy salary and related premiums from the county’s opioid fund to the sheriff’s budget; the motion was later amended in discussion to a 60/40 split (60% from the opioid fund). The transcript does not record a final roll-call vote on that motion.

Why it matters: Commissioners and sheriff's office leaders said low pay and national and regional recruitment competition have left the department understaffed, limiting the county’s 24-hour patrol capacity and specialized units. Using opioid funds would be a short-term way to free county general funds for raises but speakers cautioned the settlement funds are finite and not a permanent revenue stream.

Sheriff Johnny Walter and Chief Deputy Eric Whitmire joined department personnel at the meeting and described the staffing situation. Chief Deputy Eric Whitmire told the commission the office is operating with fewer patrol deputies than comparable counties and that deputies often hold second jobs to make ends meet. The sheriff's delegation asked the commission to pursue a clear pay scale so recruits can see long-term career prospects.

Commission staff and one commissioner laid out budget math: a 1% across-the-board increase for county employees would cost about $35,000; a 3% increase would exceed the county’s leftover discretionary revenue after mandatory increases to jail costs and insurance. Commissioners emphasized the county’s constrained revenue situation—an annual “rollback” cap in state code limited the county’s allowable tax revenue growth and reduced available funding.

During the exchange a commissioner proposed raising the certified deputy starting salary to $50,000 and the uncertified starting salary to $44,000 as part of the compensation package. Supporters said the proposed raises would make Morgan County more competitive with neighboring agencies; critics warned the solution would borrow from one-time funds and not resolve long-term sustainability.

No formal action recorded: The transcript includes multiple motions and an amendment but does not capture a final vote or implementation details. Commissioners asked staff to work out payroll mechanics with the county auditor and payroll office if the commission directs using opioid funds; speakers noted that paying half of a salary from the opioid fund would also shift a share of fringe/insurance costs.

Next steps: Participants asked county staff to clarify how an opioid-funded payroll split would be administered and what the longer-term fiscal impact would be. Several speakers urged pursuing a sustainable local revenue source to support public-safety pay if permanent increases are desired.