MILLERSBURG In an effort to keep and recruit law enforcement officers, the Holmes County commissioners approved an agreement between the Holmes County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (OPBA), jumping the starting wage for a deputy to $23.92 hour, an increase of 20 percent, beginning in January.
Two years after, there will be a 3 percent increase, keeping salaries in line with counties of similar size in surrounding communities, according to Chairman of the Holmes County Board of Commissioners Joe Miller.
"We have a strong working relationship with our sheriff's department and we want to make sure that law enforcement is fully funded in Holmes County," Miller said. "We are in unprecedented times and have to take a major dive into wages at our sheriff's department to be able to retain recruits. We have to make a market adjustment."
Miller said the county is "blessed" with strong industry and sustainable living wages, noting "the private sector can make wage adjustments much faster than government has done over the last thee years."
The commissioner pointed out the importance of being competitive with similar sized counties.
"This is a big jump to take, but one we feel is necessary," Miller said. "Our biggest responsibility is to keep the citizens of Holmes County safe."
Commissioner Ray Eyler added Holmes County is losing deputies that it has invested in to other counties.
"It costs us...
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