The budget committee of the quorum court met Feb. 14 with the goal of clearing up salaries within the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
The committee had met on Jan. 31, and most of that meeting dealt with discrepancies in the CCSO budget. The committee tried to reconcile the position-by-position budget to individuals within the department. Sheriff Jim Ross had requested large raises for his two top deputies, and the committee told him he would have to compromise on those requests.
At the meeting last week, the justices of the peace looked over a list that matched each deputy with a position. The schedule also set the salary for all road deputies at $29,100. Previously, some deputies made more than others. Ross had asked for $45,000 for Chief Deputy Jerry Williams, and the JPs agreed to $43,500. Captain John Contreras will make $38,900, and two lieutenants will each make $34,000.
JPs reminded Ross that they plan major corrections at the end of 2019. The budget process at the end of 2018 included salary adjustments in most county offices, and the JPs plan adjustments at the CCSO and the Road Department this year.
The sheriff mentioned other potential problems that may require additional funding. He said the access control system in the detention center “could go out at any time.” He also told JPs a part-time nurse is considering quitting, and having a nurse on staff cuts down on trips to the emergency room. The presence of a nurse also helps avoid potential lawsuits from inmates.
Even after granting some salary increases within the CCSO and the detention center, JPs were still below the amount budgeted because the budget passed in December, included an unfilled deputy position.
“My biggest concern for all this is sustainability,” JP Jack Deaton said, adding that raises and salary adjustments will cost the county almost a million dollars more this year. “The budget is going to be tough this year,” he said, reminding the other JPs that the county just discovered an extra $150,000 in liability for a retirement account.
Courthouse getting patched
Committee members briefly discussed a just-completed project to stabilize the corner of the eastern district courthouse. A contractor had dug around the foundation and injected masonry to keep the floor from sinking further. JP Chuck Olson said the roof is still leaking, and the roofing contractor plugged up a scupper, causing water to pool on the roof. Olson said the building needs guttering to protect the foundation.
The courthouse may have other unexpected expenses. An electrical problem was recently discovered, prompting a full review of the electrical service in the building.
The committee members discussed possible meeting times. They tentatively suggested Tuesday evenings, although they may not need to meet again until fall. The JPs said they could meet before regular quorum court meetings for “small stuff.”
The new salary schedule for the CCSO will come before the full quorum court for approval.