Carteret County commissioners approve pay increase for public safety employees

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. — The Carteret County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a comprehensive plan to increase salaries for certified public safety employees during their monthly board meeting on Monday, April 15.

The initiative aims to bolster recruitment and retention efforts within the Sheriff’s Office and 911 Consolidated Communications as the County seeks to fill roughly 20 public safety vacancies.

Under the approved plan, most certified deputy sheriffs will see a $4,500 base salary increase. This plan also elevates the entry-level starting salary for deputy sheriffs to a minimum of $49,000. Additionally, command staff positions, including the Sheriff, will receive a $3,000 base salary bump. These adjustments elevate the Sheriff’s Office from being the lowest-paying among comparable law enforcement agencies in the county to becoming the fifth-highest payer, surpassing Atlantic Beach, Newport, Cape Carteret, and Indian Beach.

Detention officers and 911 dispatchers will see their base salary rise by $4,000, with a new minimum entry-level starting salary of $44,000. Existing employees who are earning less than the new minimum will be adjusted to at least $44,000 or receive a $4,000 raise, whichever is greater.

“Carteret County is one of the safest places to live and work in North Carolina,” said Board Chairman Jimmy Farrington. “This is only possible because of the dedication of our law enforcement and 911 personnel. The Board of Commissioners recognizes the value of these public servants and is committed to providing a competitive compensation package that reflects their contributions.”

The implementation of these pay increases represents an investment of $185,000 by the County for the fiscal year 2023-24, funded by lapsed salaries, and will be reflected in employee paychecks this month. These pay raises are expected to cost an estimated $654,000 in the coming fiscal year 2024-25.

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