Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino would like to see deputies' wages increase to improve recruitment and retention of staff.  

Other law enforcement agencies in the state are hiring at a higher starting wage, Heino told the Flathead County Compensation Board on Tuesday. The average around the state is $33 per hour, according to Heino, while Flathead County hires deputies at a rate of about $32.  

“I’ve evaluated our pay with other entities and I’m not shooting for the moon,” he said. “I'm looking to stay competitive.” 

After discussion, the board shot down the request. The board is made up of the county’s elected officials, including the three county commissioners who all seemed to agree that a salary change should come first at the union bargaining table. 

Commissioner Randy Brodehl said it seems premature for the compensation board to recommend a pay increase. Any salary change would ultimately go before commissioners for final approval.  

“I feel like we’re getting ahead of our skis today,” he said. “They can negotiate and then come back to the compensation board.”  

Henio said he brought the request to the board now because commissioners are deciding the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.   

Heino’s request was to increase the base salary for deputies by about $5,000. Not factoring in overtime pay, the change is estimated to cost about $325,000.  

“If we were at $34, that would keep us competitive with Gallatin and Missoula counties, and Kalispell Police Department,” Heino said. “We wouldn’t be the highest, but we also wouldn’t be the lowest. This would keep us in a similar range to other similar counties.” 

Henio, County Attorney Travis Ahner and County Treasurer Adele Krantz voted against the motion to deny the increase.  

Ahner and Krantz both said they both have struggles hiring for their departments. The treasurer’s office once had 200 applicants for job openings and now sees about half a dozen.  

“I personally know when you’re starting wages low, you just don’t get the applicants,” Ahner said. “I believe the Sheriff’s Office needs to become competitive with regards to that starting wage.”  

County Administrator Pete Melnick said historically the county has negotiated with the union and then presented any wage adjustments to the compensation board.  

The current contract with the deputy union runs through Dec. 31. 

County commissioners on June 5 approved a 2.5% cost of living increase for elected officials, which results in the same percentage increase for county employees. Under state law, county elected officials' wages set employee wages. 

Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].