County sheriff deputies will soon receive better pay thanks to a bill the Missouri Legislature recently sent to the governor. It creates a fund for that purpose.
Under the bill, sheriffs will receive an additional $10 fee for processing any civil summons, writ, subpoena or other court order. This money will go into the newly created “Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund,” which will be used to bolster the pay of county deputy sheriffs.
A report submitted by the Senate Interim Committee on Funding for County Sheriff Offices recommended the measure to help county sheriff departments adequately pay deputies. Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington, handled House Bill 2224 sponsored by Rep. Kenny Jones, R-California.
“I’m pleased we’re able to put a new plan in place so these brave men and women will receive a respectable salary for the important work they do to ensure the safety of our citizens and property,” Griesheimer said. “Passing this legislation says that we value their dedication and commitment to law enforcement and appreciate the risks they take each and every day.”
The average salary for county deputies is just more than $22,000, with most taking home only about $15,500 per year, putting those with families below the federal poverty level.
This summer, Senate Leader Mike Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, created a committee of lawmakers from across the state that met with county law enforcement officers to consider the problem of low pay for many deputies in county sheriff departments. Due to an enthusiastic response from officials, the committee also held a series of field hearings to gather more information on the issue.
“These men and women are serving the people of their county without fair pay,” Gibbons said. “The interim committee worked well with county sheriffs to find a common sense solution on how we can better pay our deputies without diminishing the other services our sheriff departments carry out for the people.”
Griesheimer said the better pay will also help recruit and retain deputies.
“Our county sheriff departments cover thousands of Missouri miles to protect our citizens,” he said. “Providing adequate pay is the right answer to attracting and retaining some of the best and brightest law enforcement officers for these areas.”
The measure awaits the governor’s signature to become law.