JONESBORO, Ark. — The Craighead County Quorum Court approved a new longevity pay program for certified sheriff’s deputies and higher detention rates for inmates during its meeting on Monday night.
The new pay policy, passed on Oct. 26, ties salary increases to years of service for deputies employed by the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office. Under the ordinance, deputies will earn $500 for each year served, up to 20 years, with these amounts added to their annual salary at five-year milestones. Sheriff Marty Boyd will oversee the application of these pay increases.
Previously, deputies first class received a flat $1,500 in additional pay. Under the new program, deputies who leave and later return to the force will restart the service period used to calculate pay.
The ordinance cited officer retention and the protection of the county’s training investments as key reasons for the update. Retention concerns were also discussed during an Oct. 12 joint meeting of the Public Service and Finance Committees. An emergency clause included in the ordinance makes the pay program effective immediately.
The court also approved increases to daily detention fees for both adult and juvenile inmates, citing rising costs of care. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the housing rate for adult inmates from within the county will rise from $55 to $65 per day. For adult inmates from outside the county, the fee will increase from $60 to $70 daily, effective immediately for cities without current monthly jail contracts. According to the ordinance, most cities already have contracts in place, and adult housing fees have not been adjusted since 2021. The new ordinance also calls for an annual review of these fees moving forward.
Juvenile detention rates will increase from $100 to $125 per day, effective immediately. This marks the first rate change for juvenile inmates since 2023. The Public Services Committee recommended these immediate increases for juvenile housing and non-contractual adult rates during its Oct. 12 meeting. Officials noted that existing rates were no longer sufficient to cover basic housing costs.
These changes reflect the county’s efforts to recruit and retain qualified law enforcement personnel while addressing the challenges of rising operational costs within its detention system.