Hamilton County announces deal raising Sheriff’s Office starting pay

starting pay for sworn employees will be $50,000

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Hamilton County leaders have worked out a deal to give a pay-raise to new deputies in the Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Austin Garrett, County Mayor Weston Wamp and Commissioner Chip Baker worked out the deal.

Beginning next week, starting pay for sworn employees will be $50,000.

Starting pay for sworn-certified employees will be $51,500.

Current officers will also see a pay adjustment.

To pay for it, the Sheriff’s office will freeze hiring for 50-55 jobs that are vacant now.

They have a total of 110 vacancies now.

And the new pay scheme is meant to help them fill those jobs.

“This is a big moment for law enforcement in Hamilton County,” stated County Mayor Weston Wamp. “This pay increase will enable Sheriff Garrett to adequately staff the jail so that our corrections officers are paid a fair wage, help to reduce the need for mandatory overtime and are able to spend more time with their families. I am proud we were able to reach this agreement within the Sheriff’s current budget,” he further noted.

Officials hope everyone will spread the word of the new starting pay.

You can encourage someone to apply by contacting the Recruitment Team at recruitment@hcsheriff.gov or apply online by visiting www.hcsheriff.gov.