Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin commented to the Starke County Council in mid-July that he would like to see a pay increase for the staff at the Starke County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Dulin said that his department is the lowest paid in the county. His staff has a lower wage than those working for the Starke County EMS, Starke County Highway Department and even the town and city police departments within the county. Officers are leaving the department to seek the same employment in other jurisdictions because of pay.
Sheriff Dulin has taken steps since that initial discussion to present a proposal to the Starke County Council when the budget meetings occur.
“We had a comprehensive study group that was presented with surrounding area police department salaries on Monday,” said Sheriff Dulin. “We had about nine people in there and I think it went very well. I’m going to propose to the county council ideas and ways I think we can make this happen.”
He added that Starke County deputies and staff have not gotten a salary increase outside of the cost of living raise in approximately 25 years. He said qualified applications have declined due to the current pay schedule.
The county council will hold negotiations on the budget on Aug. 11.
