Sheriff: deputies need higher pay

PACE — Pace Rotary’s April 11 meeting featured Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson, who discussed, among other things, officer salaries and the Local Option Sales Tax.

While Santa Rosa County sheriff deputies have recently been approved for a 10 percent raise, a starting salary of $34,000 is still substantially below that of surrounding counties, Johnson said. As a result, he added, retention and applicant quality have suffered.

Johnson said it is imperative that salaries become more competitive to ensure the SRCSO has the highly skilled applicants necessary for a successful department. He also provided a reminder about upcoming meetings to discuss the use of Local Option Sales Tax dollars and asked for Pace Rotary's help in securing adequate allocations for public safety.

LOST is a sales tax on purchases made in Santa Rosa County. Unlike property taxes, it generates revenue for infrastructure and capital projects from visitors as well as residents.

Pace Rotary meetings are set 7 a.m. Thursdays at Stonebrook Golf Club, 3200 Cobblestone Drive, Pace.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Sheriff: deputies need higher pay