Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe warned commissioners that the county’s public safety has reached a critical point due to low pay for deputies and a county jail that is struggling to pass state inspections.

Low Pay and High Turnover

Sheriff Rowe stated that his department is currently 17 positions down, with most of those leaving for higher-paying jobs at other agencies, including the Lubbock Police Department. The starting pay for a new deputy in Lubbock County is $56,800, compared to $70,000 for a cadet with the Lubbock Police Department.

Commissioner Jason Corley expressed skepticism about raising pay for deputies, citing the potential for the police department to also raise their pay. However, Commissioner Cary Shaw was more sympathetic, stating that the county needs to address the issue of deputy pay.

Consequences of Low Pay

The low pay for deputies has led to a high turnover rate, with many experienced officers leaving for better-paying jobs. This has resulted in a lack of experienced personnel and a heavy workload for remaining deputies. The county jail is also struggling, with a leaky roof and outdated electronics.

District Attorney Sunshine Stanek also expressed concerns about the low pay for her staff, stating that she has lost 19 employees in the last year, with 15 of those leaving for higher-paying jobs. She is requesting a 6% cost of living adjustment and an additional 2% for merit pay.

Need for Competitive Pay

Sheriff Rowe emphasized the need for competitive pay to retain experienced deputies and attract new recruits. He stated that he does not need equal pay with the police department, but rather competitive pay to keep his deputies from leaving for other agencies.

Original reporting: Lubbock Lights — read the source article.