Tentative budget allocates $5.6M for sheriff pay/class outcomes; staff says budget funds outcome of study

County staff told the board the tentative budget includes $5,600,000 related to sheriff's office pay and class study outcomes and clarified the county is funding pay changes reflected by the study.

"Also investing in public safety, dollars 5,600,000 for the sheriff's office pay in class study," County Administrator Steve Howard said during his presentation. After a short exchange, staff clarified that the allocation funds pay outcomes identified by the completed study rather than merely paying to conduct a study on the matter.

Budget documents presented at the hearing showed that funding for sheriff pay was grouped under public safety allocations along with broader mandated‑service and capital items. Commissioners did not vote separately on that single allocation at the meeting; rather, it was included in the tentative budget package the board adopted. Any personnel or pay changes resulting from the allocation would follow county personnel rules and the board’s final budget action at the Sept. 21 hearing.