County, sheriff seek consensus

Differences narrowed Monday between the Cape Girardeau County Commission and Sheriff John Jordan over raises promised to deputies and most other sheriff's employees during the recent campaign for a new county sales tax.

Commissioners seemed ready to approve most of Jordan's request for raises, which will make deputy pay comparable to that of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, to take effect Jan. 1. The only questions left unanswered were whether the county can find cash to fund the raises during January and February before the new revenue arrives and whether the county will add 3.5 percent inflationary increases built into the payroll budgets of other departments.

Commissioners are trying to stretch about $4.1 million expected in 2007 from the half-cent sales tax to cover promises made to deputies, the Cape Special Road District, paving programs and the County Highway Department. The tax, an extra half-cent on all sales in the county, takes effect Jan. 1, but the first payment routed by retailers through the Missouri Department of Revenue won't arrive in county hands until March.

Merit and base raises

Jordan told commissioners he wants $667,010 to increase the pay for deputies engaged in direct law enforcement by $6,392 each. Employees working in communications and as jailers and as bailiffs will receive a raise of $4,705. Jordan also said he wants to add on a 3.5 percent average merit-based pay raise that mirrors those included in other county departmental budgets.

"I seriously disagree with $6,392 plus 3.5 percent. That is not right," Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said Monday. "But the sheriff is entitled to a portion of the money, just like roads and bridges. If the money is there, he is entitled to it."

In addition, Jordan has asked for $100,000 to build repeating stations to extend radio communications and enough money to purchase an extra patrol car for the deputies hired with the new revenue. While the raises are more secure, the equipment request is in doubt. Jones said the sheriff department's slice of the tax revenue next year should be about $700,000.

"That doesn't take care of your equipment, but it takes care of the people," he said.

Jordan said his top priority is to provide raises Jan. 1. "My first and foremost argument is to take care of the survivors," he said. During the campaign for the tax, Jordan said his annual turnover rate has averaged well over 20 percent.

Later in the meeting, Jones noted that it will cost about $55,000 a month for the raises, funds that could pose a problem during the first two months of the year. He asked county Auditor David Ludwig and his staff to examine county funds for money that could be moved temporarily.

Jordan remained adamant that the raises begin Jan. 1.

"I am not trying to be my own worst enemy, but it makes a big difference in when the raises come down," he said. To suggestions that employees wait until the anniversary of their hiring to receive the extra money, Jordan said it would create an unfair situation where a low-seniority employee hired early in the year would make significantly more than one with long service originally hired toward the end of a year.

"That is baloney," Jordan said.

Questioning amounts

Commissioner Larry Bock questioned giving deputies both the raise provided by the new tax and the regular increase allowed for other employees. "A $7,000 raise is a hell of a raise, John," Bock said. "You wouldn't use both, would you?"

Jordan said the regular raise has been earned by his employees regardless of whether they are benefiting from the new tax. Taking that away "to save $100 or $200 is wrong," he said.

The Cape Special Road District is part of the equation for the timing of raises in the sheriff's department because the district has agreed to forego its property tax in return for a potion of the sales tax. The district's board has asked that the county begin paying it a share of the revenue monthly beginning with the first payment from the state. To provide the promised money, the county needs $1.5 million from the 2007 receipts.

Saving enough money to pay for the county road budget in 2008 from sales tax payments received during 2007 also appears to be a priority for the commission. Setting aside tax money to fund the 2008 general road budget will cost $1.1 million.

Commissioner Jay Purcell urged that the sheriff's department receive the same treatment as the others with a claim on the sales tax revenue. "I see the competing arguments, and what is good for the goose is good for the gander," he said.

One solution, he said, would be to hold back on deposits to a savings account for the 2008 road budget.

"That's one simple move," he said. "Our main problem is from now until April or May," he said, when the tax receipts will be up to full strength.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126