Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin is looking for a new jail commander to run the new $15 million facility.
He told the county commissioners he would like to increase the salary for the position from $35,000 to between $40 and $42,000 annually in order to attract a qualified candidate. The extra money can be transferred from another line item in the sheriff’s budget. The commissioners blessed the extra pay, but it will require formal action from the council at their June 15th meeting.
Dulin also asked the commissioners for a favorable recommendation to pursue a COPS grant to pay the salary for a patrol officer for three years. After the grant runs out the county has to pay the salary for a specified period of time or reimburse the grant funds. The commissioners want more information about the county’s long-term obligation before agreeing to go after the grant. The application is due June 16. Dulin agreed to email the commissioners information and seek approval from the county council at their Monday, June 15 meeting.
