Council approves pay increase for corrections, officials pledge improvements

Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read

A new contract is in place that will increase pay for corrections officers in Volusia County, and officials said more work remains to be done to improve conditions at the county's jail facilities.

The Volusia County Council approved the agreement with the International Union of Police Associations, AFL CIO. The agreement, which would be in effect through Sept. 30, 2026, covers corrections officers, senior corrections officers and sergeants.

Corrections officers raised alarms in 2023 about staffing levels, calling them dangerously low. Corrections officers appeared before the County Council in October to plead for safer conditions.

County Manager George Recktenwald, who called the October appearance a union tactic, said Tuesday said the county is committed to filling open positions.

"I think this is a step in the right direction because it does include the ability for us to give some experience pay to people from other areas," Recktenwald said. "It does increase the correctional officers base pay, minimum $1.75 an hour, $2 an hour for senior corrections."

Corrections Director Joseph DeMore speaks to the County Council on Tuesday. At left is Matt Harrison, president of the Volusia County Corrections Officers Union. At center is Mark Swanson, county Public Protection director.
Corrections Director Joseph DeMore speaks to the County Council on Tuesday. At left is Matt Harrison, president of the Volusia County Corrections Officers Union. At center is Mark Swanson, county Public Protection director.

Matt Harrison, president of the Volusia County Corrections Officers Union, called the agreement promising for the division. He called on the council to monitor surrounding agencies to stay competitive with pay.

"We need to continue to make progress within the Volusia County Division of Corrections to increase current staffing levels, increase wages and benefit packages," he said. "I want Volusia to be a safe and secure place to work."

Corrections Division Director Joseph DeMore called it a step in the right direction.

"I'm very excited to see where this takes us with the staffing and getting things squared away at the facilities," he said.

District 2 Councilman Matt Reinhart, a former Volusia County corrections warden, said the county will make conditions safer at the jail facilities.

"We'll get more people and we'll make the conditions better," Reinhart said.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County officials approve corrections contract