Sheriff asks for staff pay increases, overtime and two deputies for courthouse security

The sheriff asked the commissioners for an 8% salary increase for jail staff, citing a July 2024 Reedy study that showed pay for comparable positions lagged county averages. “I'm looking for an 8% salary increase for all my jail staff,” the sheriff said, noting specific shortfalls in comparative pay for chief deputy, sergeants and deputies.

He also proposed two special deputies dedicated to courthouse security (Monday through Friday) to provide a visible deterrent and reduce liability from slow response times. The sheriff said the special deputies would be sworn and trained by his department and would handle duties such as metal-detector screening if the courthouse were to adopt that equipment. He requested equipment and uniform funding tied to the new positions and an increase in computer maintenance and overtime lines for jail operations.