The Lexington County Council approved pay raises for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department that went into effect on July 8.  

All positions at the sheriff’s department received a 3% pay raise and all current employees received an increase of up to 3%.  

Every county pay band received the 3% increase to help with the current cost of living. The department said in the press release that the adjustment “not only recognizes the rising cost of living but also ensures our compensation remains competitive, aiding our efforts to attract and retain top talent.” 

All current employees are also now eligible for an additional merit-based 3% increase to their salary, which is dependent on their annual performance evaluations. The department said that the new structure “rewards excellence and encourages ongoing professional development and performance.” 

The starting pay for uncertified new law enforcement and detention center employees now ranges from $48,342.32 to $51,249.12 per year depending on qualifications.  

Certified new applicants with zero to two years of experience will be paid $50,287.64 to $51, 249. 12 per year. Applicants with three years of experience will be paid $51,741.04 per year and those with six years of experience will be paid $53,194.44 per year.  

The pay raises are part of a larger initiative to improve resources and tools available to the sheriff’s department employees, the press release said. 

Other updates include the addition of a new school resource officer in districts one and five, new tasers for patrol and detention deputies, all new body cameras for deputies and updated fleet cameras. 

Two K-9’s, the bomb robot, 33 laptops and 37 Tahoe vehicles will also be replaced as part of the new initiative.