HAMILTON COUNTY, Tennessee (WDEF) – The discrepancy between pay rates for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Chattanooga Police is about to get worse.
Chattanooga is debating a tax hike to give fire and police a pay raise.
The city’s police chief says his department is losing officers to the county because they pay better.
On Friday, Sheriff Austin Garrett announced new pay raises for his officers beginning next week.
Patrol Deputies will begin at $62,000 while Corrections Deputies starting pay jumps to $54,000 (for frontline personnel).
The money will not require any extra funds from the County Commission.
Other Sheriff’s employees will also benefit.
· Judicial Security Deputy’s new starting salary is $55,000
· Civil Warrants Deputy’s new starting salary is $55,000
· Corrections Services Deputy’s new starting salary is $50,000
The Sheriff says pay is a key piece of recruiting and retaining the best individuals.
“This pay increase ensures the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office remains one of the premier, most competitive law enforcement agencies in our state and region. Combined with our outstanding benefits, progressive pay plan, and supportive administration, these new starting salaries will allow us to continue leading the way in law enforcement and corrections—providing you, our citizens, with the highest level of professional and innovative service.”
“I greatly appreciate the unwavering support and partnership our office and deputies receive from the Hamilton County Commission and Mayor Weston Wamp.”
