.
In a resounding unanimous approval, the board voted to increase wages for sheriff’s office employees by 20%.
Chairperson Greg Hagwood made the comment, “This is the largest percent pay increase that I can ever remember,” adding that this decision solidifies the board’s commitment to make public safety its number one priority.
The increase will impact all classifications within the department for two years. It includes increased health insurance opt-out incentives, uniform and other allowances, an increase in per diems, and a 1000-dollar lump sum payout for all employees employed as of April 10.
The Agreement will be retroactive to July 1 of this year and extend to July 2025.
In a statement to the sheriff’s office, Supervisor Hagwood said that he hopes this Agreement will improve the department’s ability to recruit and retain staff to provide public safety to the county.
Sheriff Johns has attributed the drastic decline in his staff to be one of the lowest-paid departments in the county, where deputies have been struggling to make roots within the community and being forced to seek better pay to provide a home for their families.
Sheriff Johns extended his deep gratitude to the board and county staff for making the Agreement possible and added there is a long road ahead to begin staffing the department, but his staff are eager and ready.
