Newton will press salary concerns (03/20/07)

Along with adding space to the Jay County Jail, sheriff Ray Newton would like to see some of his employees making more money as well.

Newton again talked to Jay County Commissioners Monday about needs at the jail - this time focusing on personnel.

He said many times only one part-time jailer is available and expressed concern that "we can't provide proper security for the jail."

Newton said there are currently eight full-time jailers and four part-time. State statute calls for two jailers per shift and one jailer per 20 inmates. But he explained that there have been times when only one jailer is available to work.

Fearing that an incident could happen when inmates are brought in or moved within the jail, he said, "Is it going to take something bad to happen? I don't want it to happen on my watch."

He said the starting salary for a full-time jailer is $20,000 annually and part-time workers are paid $8 per hour. Newton considers that wage a deterrent for hiring and retaining those personnel.

Newton said he would like to see the pay for new deputies increased as well. Currently a starting deputy earns $24,000 per year. Newton compared that to the Portland Police Department's annual salary for new officers of $32,000.

Commissioners Milo Miller Jr., Gary Theurer, and Faron Parr assured Newton they were in agreement with his concerns, but said he would have to convince the county council of the need for the additional funding.

"You have our blessings to go to the council," Miller said, "but you have to start here first."[[In-content Ad]]