WASHINGTON COUNTY – On Friday, the Washington County Council approved a pay raise for Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputies during a special meeting.
The meeting was called after Sheriff Brent Miller, in an unprecedented move on March 22, announced that deputies would no longer be on duty from 11:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m., creating a risk to public safety. His decision was made because the department did not have enough officers to provide 24-hour coverage. The department is now half-staffed.
“That isn’t safe for anyone,” he said when he decided. “We are trying to maintain appropriate police coverage but simply can’t keep working as we are.”
The department has a force of 16, including the chief deputy and sheriff. Two officers are currently at the police academy, another is on light duty, and three other positions need to be filled.
Low pay made hiring new officers or retaining them difficult. Sheriff Miller said those employed under the 2021 salary of just below $44,980 soon left for higher pay. Other departments are offering a higher wage of about $9,000.
“Our deputies are simply leaving for more money. The pool of applicants is shrinking rapidly every day, and everybody is competing for the same pool of applicants,” said Sheriff Miller.
In the last three years, high turnover has plagued the department, which is very costly to Washington County’s taxpayers. The county must put newly hired officers through the police academy, only to lose them shortly after graduation.
Another deputy recently told Sheriff Miller he is leaving to accept a higher-paying position with a neighboring police department.
“This made the 10th deputy to leave our department since I was elected and took over the department in January 2019,” said Sheriff Miller.
Sheriff Miller asked the county council for a $10,000 pay increase for each deputy.
The council opposed the $10,000 pay increase and countered with a 6% increase, about $7,000. They also wanted to cut two of the vacant deputy positions, but they may be willing to add those positions back during the budget hearing.
However, Sheriff Miller said the increase recommended by the council was “putting a band-aid on a bleeding heart” and removing officers would be “counter-productive.” He was doing his elected job but needed the council’s help.
The council finally agreed to an $8,000 pay raise for officers without cutting positions. The raises will go into effect by the end of April.
Indiana State Police will assist with the coverage from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m., and Sheriff Miller continues to fill the vacant positions.
