Staffing shortages at Cole County Sheriff’s Department prompt salary increases

Cole County commissioners and Sheriff John Wheeler say increased wages for sheriff’s deputies and for jailers is aimed at addressing the current staffing shortage.

County commissioners voted unanimously this week to increase the starting salary for post-certified deputies to $50,000 and to $45,000 a year for detention officers.

Sheriff Wheeler tells 939 the Eagle that they’re currently down 20 positions out of 115. He says the raise is intended retain current employees and make the sheriff’s department more competitive for new hires.