Council adopts sheriff pay matrix for 2026, agrees to review K‑9 and discretionary fund lines

Scott County Council voted to adopt Sheriff Jerry Gooden’s pay matrix for the 2026 salary schedule after extended discussion about a judge’s agreed order and the long‑term implications of a multi‑year pay arrangement.

Gooden told the council he was relying on a court‑signed agreed order that tied 2025 pay rates to a matrix; council members questioned whether the language created a multi‑decade contractual obligation but ultimately limited adoption to the 2026 schedule. The motion passed unanimously.

The sheriff raised a second, related issue: a collection of discretionary, donated and service funds (K‑9 donations, leasehold funds, fingerprint fees) that his office says have not been budgeted with usable lines. Deputies and the sheriff asked council to create explicit lines for training, equipment and vet bills so the donated K‑9 money can be spent without reimbursements.

Council directed the auditor’s office to advertise K‑9 funds as unappropriated for the March meeting and to bring proposed line items (training, equipment, vet services) for formal approval. Councilors said they want to balance transparency and donor restrictions with the practical needs of frontline public safety operations.